The KRG Representation in the United States coordinated the participation of H.E. Hoshyar Zebari, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq and Senior Member of the KDP Executive Committee and Dr. Hemn Hawrami, Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament and senior member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, at the Atlantic Council’s 2026 Iraq Dialogue in Washington, DC.
Under the leadership of Victoria Taylor, Director of the Iraq Initiative in the Atlantic Council’s Middle East program, the high-level conference brought together senior officials from Iraq, US policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and regional experts to discuss key political, economic, and security issues shaping Iraq and the wider Middle East.
This year’s annual conference was held under the theme “Iraq in a New Middle East,” reflecting the shifting regional landscape Iraq is navigating, including government formation, fiscal pressures, energy transition challenges, regional tensions, and the need for continued reform and stability.
Kurdish Engagement in a National Conversation
The participation of H.E. Zebari, Dr. Hawrami and KRG Prime Minister Qubad Talabani by video, helped ensure that the Kurdistan Region’s perspective was included in broader discussions on Iraq’s future. As Iraq continues to face complex political, security, and economic challenges, Kurdish engagement remains essential to any serious conversation about federalism, governance, energy, regional stability, and the future of US-Iraq relations.
The Iraq Dialogue provided an important platform for Iraqi and Kurdish leaders, US officials, and policy experts to exchange views on the country’s priorities and identify pathways toward durable stability and growth. Discussions focused on Iraq’s role in a changing Middle East, the importance of strong institutions, and the need for constructive engagement among Iraq’s diverse communities and political actors.
High-Level Policy Discussions
In addition to the main conference, the KRG Representation arranged high-level engagements for H.E. Zebari with officials from the U.S. Administration, Congress, business community, and policy experts on current developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
These discussions focused on Iraq’s stability, sovereignty, and long-term development. The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on the political, economic, and security challenges facing Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Strengthening US-Iraq and US-Kurdistan Dialogue
The Iraq Dialogue built on sustained engagement between Iraqi stakeholders, Kurdish leaders, US policymakers, and international partners. By bringing together officials and experts across political, economic, and security fields, the conference helped advance practical policy discussions and strengthen cooperation between the United States and Iraq.
