Monday, October 26, 2009

Greater DC's Kurdish-American Community

Yesterday afternoon it was my distinct pleasure to host an event celebrating the Kurdish-American community in the Greater Washington Area. More than 200 people attended this reunion, enjoying both great food and great conversation, at the Kurdistan Regional Government offices in Washington, DC.

Distinguished guests included members of the KRG delegation that attended the U.S.-Iraq Investors Conference last week—Herish Muharam, Chairman of the Kurdistan Regions Board of Investment; Hoshyar Siwaily, Minister for Electricty; Tahsin Qadir Ali, Minister for Water Resources; and Governor Dana Ahmed Majeed of Suleimania and Abdulrahaman Mustafa of Kirkuk.

I was heartened to see the pride on people’s faces as they entered the KRG offices. Our guests recognized the incredible potential of the new future before us, while at the same time raising the expectations of what we, as the KRG need to achieve in the US and in Kurdistan. The Kurdish American community in the US offers great hope to strengthening Kurdistan’s relations with the US, while at the same time, being a voice for reason to ensure that Kurdistan stays true to its word of reform and continued democratization.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Promoting B2B Between the U.S. and Kurdistan

Today I was pleased to welcome a delegation from the Kurdistan Region that is in D.C. to attend the U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Conference, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.


In addition to attending this event, these gentlemen are exploring and sharing ideas on how to strengthen bonds between Iraq, Kurdistan and the U.S.—specifically through commerce, exchange and investment.


One of the Obama Administration’s goals is to support economic development in all of Iraq as a means to sustain stability in the country. As the safest and most stable region in Iraq—with a vibrant business community—the Kurdistan Region is thrilled to pursue opportunities that will strengthen our Region and promote positive relations with the United States.


The Kurdistan delegation visiting D.C. consists of Herish Muharam, Chairman of the Kurdistan Investment Board; Osman Ismail Hassan, Minister for Planning; Hoshyar Abdul Rahman Siwaily, Minister for Electricity; Tahsin Qadir Ali, Minister for Water Resources; Governor Tamar Ramadan of Dohuk; Governor Nawzad Hadi of Erbil; and Governor Dana Ahmed Majeed of Suleimania.


Stay updated on the delegation’s visit here or on my Facebook and Twitter pages.