US-Kurdistan business delegation signals strengthened economic ties, diversified investments, 22 NOV

US-Kurdistan business delegation signals strengthened economic ties, diversified investments

Nov. 21, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Representative to the United States, Treefa Aziz, stated that the arrival of a senior delegation from the US-Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC) showcases heightened American interest in the Kurdistan Region.

The delegation, one of the largest since the council’s inception in 2012, underscores the evolving economic partnership between the two regions.

“This year’s delegation is larger than previous years, reflecting the growing interest of American businesses in Kurdistan,” Aziz said during an interview.

Over the past week, the group engaged in productive meetings in Erbil with senior KRG officials, the presidency office, and key business entities, including the chambers of commerce from Hewler (Erbil), Duhok, Sulaimani, and Halabja, alongside the Kurdistan Investment Board.

A Broader Investment Horizon

While historically centered on energy, particularly oil and gas, this year’s delegation expanded its scope to include defense, security, hospitality, food services, and other industries. "We’re encouraged by the interest of both long-standing companies and new entrants," Aziz noted.

The KRG, in alignment with its strategic goal of economic diversification, aims to reduce reliance on the energy sector.

Areas such as agriculture, banking, tourism, and healthcare are identified as priority sectors for future collaboration with American businesses.

“Kurdistan’s business-friendly regulations, open-market policies, and secure environment make it an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly from the US,” Aziz emphasized.

She highlighted the positive role of supportive terms and contracts, distinguishing the Kurdistan Region from the rest of Iraq.

Oil Resumption and Regional Stability

One focal point of discussions revolved around the recent agreements between the KRG and the Iraqi government to resume oil exports, which had been halted for nearly 20 months.

According to Aziz, the resumption represents a significant victory for Kurdistan, Iraq, and global energy markets amid rising demand for oil and gas.

“American oil companies operating here for over two decades are keen to partner with the KRG to ensure a stable resumption of exports,” she stated.

US Commitment to Economic Growth

Aziz praised the collaborative efforts of the US government and the Consulate General in Erbil, led by Consul General Steve Bittner, in fostering bilateral economic relationships.

She described the partnership as a “360-degree relationship,” encompassing defense, security, and economic development.

Looking ahead, Aziz expressed optimism about working with the next US administration to strengthen economic ties further. “The focus on democracies and economic prosperity globally aligns with the Kurdistan Region’s aspirations.

We’re hopeful this partnership will continue to thrive,” she concluded.

The visit of the US delegation marks a pivotal step in advancing Kurdistan’s economic prospects, reinforcing its position as a stable and business-friendly hub within Iraq. 

Coffee with MarkZ and Mr. Cottrell. 11/22/2024

Coffee with MarkZ and Mr. Cottrell. 11/22/2024

MarkZ  Update- Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

Member: TGIF and Good Morning to everyone. 

Member: Thank God its Friday!! Always love Fridays as it means the weekend is very close, just like all the changes in this world!

Member: I have a feeling today is going to be a very big day. 

Member: Today is the anniversary of JFK’s death. Nov 22, 1963, in Dealy Plaza, Dallas Texas, President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed on National TV.

MZ: Bond news is all over the place and we are trying to figure out what is real and what is not. They thought they were supposed to be paid last night….now its before the weekend or over the weekend…we are getting a lot of different stories from different people.

MZ: One group leader did say they may actually get paid Sunday night to Monday morning. So there is a little chatter on that front. 

Member: Poor bond holders. What a roller coaster ride for them

Member: I hope the rails of the roller coaster stay grounded now……, they have been used a lot through the years!! LOL

Member: no need for the ups and downs. when it happens then we all will know.

MZ: “Parliament will resume the session next week and clarify the mechanisms for extending its legislative term.” They are committed to finishing some key things before they call it a holiday. The session is still expected to end just before Dec 10th which is “Victory Day” I am still hearing HCL is in there as well. And hopefully a rate change. 

MZ: “Economist: The total cost of the general population census amounted to $951 billion dinars”  This is about  $80 million dollars.  Cudos to the Iraqi government and their accurate census. I am told they should have the numbers by Sunday. 

MZ: People I know in Iraq have been saying the HCL is waiting for those census numbers. And should be approved quickly after the census totals are released. 

Member: And the HCL needs a new rate. 

MZ: “The Iraqi government : We must adapt to the new political situation in the US”  Sudani has had a great conversation with trump. The world changes and they need to adjust to it. 

Member: When currencies reset and go 1 to 1 would we have already exchanged for a better rate?

MZ: Yes. We will have already exchanged before parity happens. 

Member: First adjust the rate to reflect value then go to parity, 1-1

Member: Parity will create a level playing (trading) field for all countries. Based on each countrys assets

Member: Its been said often that ZIM bonds independent of the Dinar/Dong etc. What are they waiting for on the bonds?

MZ: Good questions. They have everyone in position and we hear lots of rumor- but nothing credible as to what they are waiting for. 

Member: Mark I know you don't follow other info, but most talking about a "GO" for this coming Monday?

MZ: That would be exciting but have not had that day specifically named by my sources. 

Member: What other currencies are the buzz? Iran , Indonesia

MZ: The Iranian rial may or may not be in the first basket….then there is the dong 

Member: AT the RV roll out, WHAT is the current procedure for us to comply to?

Member: Get the notifications, call the number, set an appointment and follow instructions….imo

MZ: Yes, call, make an appointment and go exchange 

Member: I believe that we're not exchanging until we quit using fiat dollars.

Member: I wonder- Do the banks have the new currency now and are sitting on it ?

Member: Jeff Ralm say 80% tax on all currencies?? What say you ??

MZ: I believe Jeff is wrong on this one. I am simply not hearing that from anybody.

Member: I believe we’re waiting until Jan 20 for the RV…Hope I am wrong and its sooner.

Member: Hard not to get discouraged when every month, week, and even day passes with no RV. We can’t do this forever.

Member: Movies ,,often have twists and turns ,,and surprise endings.

Member: Thanks Mark and Mr. C……Praying this is an amazing weekend for us all. 

Mr. Cottrell and CBD Guru’s join the stream today. Please listen to the replay for their information and opinions. 

MAJEED: "And the rate will be $4 per 1 IQD " @DINARREVALUATION

 

US Reaffirms Security Ties with Iraq, 22 NOV

US Reaffirms Security Ties with Iraq

Nov. 21, 2024

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan 24) The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to continued security ties with Iraq, as a State Department spokesperson told Kurdistan 24 in an email on Wednesday. 

“Our routine diplomatic engagement with the Government of Iraq continues,” the spokesperson said.

“We are focused on transitioning to an enduring bilateral security partnership that serves Iraqi and U.S. interests.”

After Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shi’a al-Sudani took office in October 2022, his government pressed to end the presence of the Defeat-ISIS Coalition in Iraq, and negotiations on the issue followed.

Iranian pressure was likely part of the reason why Sudani made such a request. Tehran seeks to undermine the U.S. position in the Middle East.

Moreover, as the U.S. agreed to hold discussions on Sudani’s request, pro-Iranian elements sought—wrongly—to portray them as talks about terminating the U.S. military presence in Iraq. 

They are, however, not about U.S. troops pulling out of Iraq. The Obama administration did that in 2011—and was obliged to return U.S. forces to the country in 2014, after ISIS emerged in Syria and then seized one-third of Iraq.

Rather, the negotiations are about a transition from a U.S. troop presence based on the anti-ISIS Coalition to one based on bilateral security ties.

As Col. Myles Caggins (US Army, Retired), a former Spokesperson for the anti-ISIS Coalition and now Spokesperson for APIKUR (Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan), earlier advised Kurdistan 24, “This big international coalition, with all the flags, that will end, but the presence of and the partnership with international military forces will continue.”

This approach is welcomed by the Kurdish leadership. It believes the continued presence of U.S. troops is important for Iraq’s stability, including the well-being of the Kurdistan Region. 

Indeed, in July, the long-time Kurdish leader, Masoud Barzani, now head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), made a rare visit to Baghdad. The U.S. ambassador, Alina Romanowski, was among those he met.

A key part of Barzani’s mission was to explain the need for U.S. troops to remain in Iraq, as he stressed that their presence, along with that of other Coalition forces, was vital to ensuring Iraq's stability and promoting its national interests.

Current U.S. Position Same as Before

This issue arose at Monday’s State Department press briefing, when a journalist began his question by saying that an Iraqi diplomat had told him that Baghdad had asked to postpone the next set of talks and to change their venue from Baghdad to Washington. The journalist asked the Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, for confirmation.

Miller responded that he would “take” the question—that is, provide an answer, after consulting those working on the issue. Kurdistan 24 asked to receive the answer, as well.

The answer suggests that nothing has really changed. The spokesperson’s e-mailed response took the U.S. position back to Sept. 27, when “we announced that the United States and Iraq decided on a two-phase transition plan for CJTF-OIR [i.e. Coalition] operations in Iraq.”

Three days later, on Sept. 30, the foreign ministers of the Defeat-ISIS Coalition met in Washington and confirmed the agreement: the Coalition would remain in most of Iraq until Sept. 2025, but the Coalition would stay in the Kurdistan Region for at least one year longer. The fight against ISIS in Syria is continuing, and Coalition forces there are supplied from the Kurdistan Region.

Thus, as Wednesday’s email from the spokesperson explained, referring to the Sept. 30 conference, “This ministerial demonstrated the Coalition partners’ recognition of the threat ISIS still presents and their sustained commitment to diminishing ISIS’s capabilities around the world.”

The spokesperson also stressed the broad nature of relations between the U.S. and Iraq.

“Through our comprehensive 360-degree partnership,” he said, “we can advance Iraq’s stability, security and sovereignty, which are critical to Iraq and to the region.”

RV UPDATED BY TEXAS SNAKE, 22 NOV

Texas Snake

 Banker will call me Sunday morning to confirm on Sunday morning but at this point in time, he has all his exchange specialist scheduled to begin making appointments Monday around noon

Texas Snake also states that Iraq budget must be approved on the 25th with new denominations.

Texas Snake is excited for Sunday but primarily Monday.

Latest update Thursday

11.21 9pm eastern

TEXAS SNAKE: "his exchange specialist scheduled to begin making appointments Monday around noon"

 

Putin discusses Oil Prices with Iraqi PM, 22 NOV

Putin discusses Oil Prices with Iraqi PM

prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani acquired a telephone call today, Thursday, from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

in line with the Media workplace of the top Minister, the cellphone name touched on electricity-associated subjects, “highlighting the significance of coordination amongst all involved nations within OPEC and the OPEC+ organization to stabilize oil and gasoline prices, ensuring fair pricing for each manufacturers and purchasers.”

all through the call, they mentioned bilateral members of the family between Iraq and Russia and explored approaches to decorate them to serve the mutual hobbies of both pleasant international locations.

The verbal exchange also addressed the evolving scenario within the vicinity, emphasizing the need for main powers to exert greater efforts to quit the continuing warfare and save you its expansion, that may jeopardize local and international stability.