The Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States actively participated in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, engaging in high-level diplomacy and policy discussions alongside international leaders.
Diplomatic Engagements
Representative Treefa Aziz attended UNGA as part of the Iraqi delegation, joining bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Conversations centered on regional developments, economic partnerships, and Iraq’s evolving role in fostering stability across the Middle East.
On the sidelines, Representative Aziz participated in a Middle East Institute forum featuring Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The event convened senior diplomats, government officials, and policy experts to assess ongoing developments in Syria and highlight the role of minorities — including Kurds, Druze, and Christians — in shaping the region’s future.
High-Level Conference on Repatriation
Representative Aziz also moderated the closing session of the High-Level International Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al-Hol and related detention facilities. Organized under the leadership of the Government of Iraq and in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the event was opened by Iraqi President Latif Rasheed and featured a ministerial session led by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.
With representatives from 60 countries and 31 international organizations in attendance, discussions addressed the security, humanitarian, and reintegration challenges posed by the return of individuals from conflict zones. The closing session underscored a shared commitment to coordinated international action in addressing this global challenge.
Advocacy for Kurdish Priorities
Speaking with Kurdistan24, Representative Aziz stressed the urgent need to resolve oil export disputes between Erbil and Baghdad to secure regular public sector salaries. “We are looking forward to a resolution for the oil exports to resume from the Kurdistan Region. That will ensure that the budget, allocations, and salaries of our civil servants will also be sent on a regular basis,” she stated.
Her remarks came as the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad finalized a landmark tripartite agreement with international oil companies to resume crude exports through the Iraq–Türkiye Pipeline (ITP). The deal, restoring an initial 230,000 barrels per day, ended a two-year stalemate and marked a critical step toward financial stability for the Kurdistan Region.
International Partnerships
In a separate exchange, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the fight against terrorism and expressed openness to future visits to Kurdistan. His remarks reflected the broader support voiced by international partners throughout UNGA for the Kurdistan Region’s role in advancing regional peace and security.
Strengthening Kurdistan’s Global Role
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s participation at UNGA 80 highlighted its active role in global diplomacy and the urgency of securing financial stability for its people. Through bilateral meetings, multilateral conferences, and media engagements, KRG-USA emphasized its commitment to strengthening ties with international partners and ensuring the Kurdistan Region remains a reliable ally in promoting stability, prosperity, and shared security.
