WASHINGTON

The US reaffirmed its support for Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) on Monday.

"Our support for a resilient KRG is integral to our 360-degree approach to Iraq. And so the opportunity today to reaffirm this support, reaffirm this partnership and the work that we’re doing together I think is important and timely," Secretary of State Antony Blinken told KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani before their meeting in Washington, D.C.

Blinken said the KRG has been a "critical partner" for stability in the region, adding: "In many ways, this is a relationship for us that is unique in the region, and, again, one that we value greatly."

Barzani expressed his gratitude to the US for its support.

"Of course, we are great friends and partners, and we are very proud to say that we are American allies...And now we are having some new challenges in the region. I’m looking forward to our discussions to talk about the developments in the region in Iraq and especially about our bilateral relations with the United States," he said.