President Barzani US President Barack Obama

President Barzani US President Barack Obama, a photo by Kurdistan Photo كوردستان on Flickr.

President Barzani US President Barack Obama
WASHINGTON, — US President Barack Obama dropped in on a meeting Wednesday between Vice President Joe Biden and the President of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani, the White House said in a statement.

The visiting Kurdish leader, Massoud Barzani, also met with US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, according to the Pentagon. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon released further details on the talks.

"The United States is committed to our close and historic relationship with Kurdistan and the Kurdish people, in the context of our strategic partnership with a federal, democratic and unified Iraq," the White House said.

The meetings came a day after Obama called Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to congratulate him on the Arab summit held last week and to stress his support for a unified Iraq.

During their talks, both sides emphasized the necessity of a prolonged and deepened relationship between the United States and the Kurdistan Region within the framework of a democratic, pluralistic and federal Iraq.

The leaders also discussed practical steps towards the continued strengthening of the relationship through maintaining high level meetings and discussions.

Furthermore it was agreed that the United States would broaden the services provided by its consulate in Erbil.

The President and Vice President of the United States reaffirmed their continued commitment to the historic relationship with the people and government of the Kurdistan Region, and their support for an Iraq that adheres to its constitution
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurdistan4all/