The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was proud to celebrate World Press Freedom Day alongside the National Union of Iraqi Journalists, the Iraqi Women Journalists Forum, and the Journalistic Freedom Observatory in a special event at The Station on May 3. We hosted two discussion panels on the topic of “War Correspondents” and “The Role of ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 8 May, 2018 | Topics:
Events, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Your Excellency Qasim al-Fahdawi, Dr. Jafar, distinguished panel members and guests, it is a true pleasure to be here today to address this impressive group of leaders and energy experts. When I addressed this forum last year, I spoke about the need for economic reform. I said that Iraq needed a new economic paradigm, based ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 29 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events
Awesome IYLEP reunion this weekend in Erbil! Great to see 208 IYLEP Alumni gathered together to share their past experiences and current projects.
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 29 March, 2018 | Topics:
Alumni, Events
The Ambassador sat down with journalists to discuss upcoming elections, stabilization projects, and economic investment, among other topics.
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 27 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
The Ambassador and the Acting Consul General visited Nassiriya, in Dhi Qar province, where they conducted meetings with the Governor, business leaders, and representatives from several minority groups in the province. They also toured the relic Mesopotamian landscapes of the Ziggurat of Ur, accompanied by a team of Iraqi and American archaeologists, and discovered some ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 26 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Ambassador and Mrs. Silliman, along with other US Embassy staff members, visited Baghdad Mall yesterday. Thanks to our hosts, CEO Ammar Alkhafaji, Managing Director Anwer Abdul Lateef, and Marketing Director Jamal Alashi. “There is a huge opportunity for U.S. companies and franchises such as those here at Baghdad Mall – Hardee’s, Skechers, Nestle Toll House ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 25 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan and Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Nizar Khairallah met in Baghdad and convened the fifth meeting of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee. Together, they affirmed the significant progress we have made in our bilateral relationship since our two nations signed the Strategic Framework Agreement in 2008. The important ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 28 January, 2018 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
During his meeting with Prime Minister Abadi, Deputy Secretary Sullivan congratulated him and the Iraqi people on the bravery of the Iraqi Security Forces and their successful liberation of Iraqi territory from ISIS. The United States will continue to work with the Government of Iraq to ensure the scourge of ISIS is never repeated and ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 28 January, 2018 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Deputy Chief of Mission Joey Hood paid tribute to the martyrs of the Iraqi Federal Police during a meeting with Federal Police Commander sLTG Raad Shaker Jawdit on January 25, and pledged to continue to deepen the partnership between the United States and Iraq.
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 28 January, 2018 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
The U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman attended the Iraq Army Day commemoration where President Fuad Masoum and Defense Minister Irfan Hayali placed a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 6 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News
“Ramadi is firmly on the path to recovery and stabilization. It is an honor to be visiting this city at this important moment in history.” – U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood Watch Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood’s remarks about the Iraqi Security Forces’ success driving ISIS out of Ramadi and all of Iraq, and the ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 22 December, 2017 | Topics:
Charge D’Affaires, Events, News
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood visited Ramadi on December 21 at the invitation of Governor Halbousi. In meetings with the governor and sheiks from throughout Anbar, he discussed U.S. support for the Government of Iraq’s efforts to bring internally displaced Iraqis back to their communities following the defeat of ISIS. The United States is ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 21 December, 2017 | Topics:
Charge D’Affaires, Events, News
Ambassador Silliman joined other distinguished guests and speakers at the Iraq Banking and Investment Summit on December 2. The Ambassador spoke about the need to create economic opportunity for Iraq’s younger generation through a transition from a government-controlled, oil-based economy, toward a more diversified free market system that fosters and encourages private investment. He noted ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 3 December, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Watch this interview with former participants of the Iraqi Youth Leadership Exchange Program describing their experience traveling to the United States.
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 4 September, 2017 | Topics:
Alumni, Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
A stolen Iraqi artifact was returned to the Government of Iraq! Yesterday the U.S. Embassy met with the Deputy Minister of Culture for Antiquities & Heritage Affairs Qais Rasheed to return an antique chess set, owned by Saddam Hussein, stolen in 2003 and recovered by the FBI. The U.S. is committed to helping return stolen ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 2 September, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
We are glad to announce that the U.S. Department of State has awarded $5,000,000 grant to the American University of Iraq (AUIS) in Sulaimani! The grant will fund merit scholarships for AUIS students, who represent the Kurdish, Arab, Turkmen, Muslim, Yezidi, Christian, and even Syrian refugee communities in Iraq. Through AUIS, the United States is ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 9 August, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
We were pleased to welcome official Iraqi spokespersons and representatives from Government of Iraq media offices to Ambassador Silliman’s home today after their Embassy-sponsored visit to the United States. Our Iraqi friends shared with the Ambassador what they learned in the United States and we discussed steps forward to continue to fight the extremist messaging ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 7 August, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman highlighted U.S. Government support for stabilization efforts in Fallujah during his remarks today alongside Anbar Governor Suhaib Al-Rawi. Through UNDP, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad funded the rehabilitation of key water treatment facilities and supplied medical equipment for seven public health centers and the rehabilitation of 20 schools.
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 31 July, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Today the delegation of official Iraqi spokespersons attended the daily press briefing with the official spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, Heather Nauert. After the briefing, Ms. Nauert and the spokespersons exchanged ideas on how we can work together to fight the scourge of extremist messaging that threatens both our countries. This Embassy-funded visit highlights ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 19 July, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Official spokespersons from the Government of Iraq and Kurdish Peshmerga are in Washington this week to meet their counterparts from the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of State. An amazing sign of bilateral friendship and a symbol of the U.S. commitment to a federal, democratic, unified, and prosperous Iraq!
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 16 July, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Williams and Consul General Dayton were honored to host an Independence Day Celebration yesterday in Basrah. They were joined by a diverse group of Basrawi leaders to celebrate the 241st anniversary of American Independence. At the event, Chargé Williams recognized the sacrifices of southern Iraqis who helped liberate Mosul. It was truly ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 13 July, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 10 July, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Today the Embassy hosted a celebration marking U.S. Independence Day. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Douglas Silliman highlighted the continuing cooperation between our two countries based on the Strategic Framework Agreement and reinforced our shared commitment to defeating ISIS. We thank our many Iraqi friends who attended the event. Pictured from right to left: National ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 4 July, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Summer is our transition season, and we’ll soon be welcoming our new Public Affairs Officer Kim Strollo! She stopped by for a week in June to meet some of our key contacts in Erbil and Sulaimani, and is really looking forward to meeting all of you when she returns! While here, she was able to ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 27 June, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 25 June, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News
On June 22, Consul General Ken Gross had a lively discussion about political and economic developments in the Iraqi #Kurdistan Region with alumni and others at
The American University of Iraq – Sulaimani . What’s the most important thing you would want Consul General Gross to know about the region?
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 22 June, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Education, Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 10, U.S. Consul General Gross visited Peshmerga commander Sirwan Barzani at Black Tiger Camp. He praised the bravery and sacrifice of the Peshmerga and their cooperation with Iraqi Security Forces in the campaign to liberate Mosul from clutches of ISIS. How will your life change once Da’esh is defeated.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 11 June, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, News, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 6, Consul General Ken Gross visited Erbil’s John Deere, a U.S. company, to discuss operations and tour the showroom. He took the opportunity to view the latest models of John Deere vehicles and heavy machinery and tour the warehouse and supply center with the John Deere team.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, News, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On Sunday, May 21, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Williams and the USAID Acting Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Maria Longi attended the final workshop of the joint U.S.-Iraqi Taqadum program. The $106 million initiative, funded by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), helps local Iraqi authorities improve public ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 21 May, 2017 | Topics:
Charge D’Affaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, Events, Press Releases, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
On May 20, Economic and Commercial Affairs Officer Sharyn Fitzgerald attended the opening of a greenhouse project at Bahirka IDP camp. The project, sponsored by Mass Group Holding and implemented by Kurdish Human Rights Watch (KHRW) and the Kurdish American Cooperation Organization, established eight greenhouses to be managed by resident IDP families. The project seeks ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 20 May, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On May 15, 2017, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad held a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, America’s premier academic exchange program. Since 1946, over 370,000 students and scholars from 160 different countries have participated in the program, including over 500 Iraqi artists, writers, politicians, scientists, business executives, and educators. No ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 15 May, 2017 | Topics:
Alumni, Ambassador, Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman addressed members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Baghdad at their annual meeting at the Embassy. Ambassador Silliman praised Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi’s commitment to bringing more American companies to do business in Iraq, stating “Now is the best time in years to press for reforms, and to ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 2 May, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Commercial Affairs, Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
On a recent visit to the province of Muthanna, Consul General Win Dayton held a lunch for alumni of our exchange programs. This dynamic group of young leaders shared their optimism and ideas for development in the province.
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 24 April, 2017 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
After his recent visit to Uruk, the Consul General remarked: “We were so impressed by the quality of this UNESCO World Heritage site and its significance for all humanity. This site – and other magnificent antiquities in southern Iraq – present opportunities for American universities, museums, NGOs, scholars, and investors to partner with Iraqi authorities ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 24 April, 2017 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad recently hosted an event for IDP children from four different IDP camps in Baghdad. The kids got to go on the Embassy fire truck, wear fire-fighting equipment and learn how to use a fire hose. The children also did arts and crafts projects, and had fun playing games with the ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 9 April, 2017 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
On April 2, Ambassador Silliman spoke at the Iraq Energy Forum 2017, where he emphasized the importance of energy to the rebuilding and stabilization of Iraq and the need for reform in confronting Iraq’s economic and energy challenges. He also raised the need to eliminate corruption, diversify the economy and develop a holistic and integrated ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 2 April, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Business, Economic Issues, Events, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
On February 28, The Consul General Ken Gross helped open our new American Corner today at the University of Kurdistan Hewler. This is a cultural and informational center that offers a library, access to online journals, advising services for students interested in studying in the U.S., and a variety of ongoing cultural and English-language programming. ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 28 February, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, News, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On February 2, American Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman and Commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve General Stephen Townsend, met with Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi. The Ambassador, Prime Minister and General discussed the recent achievements by Iraq forces against Daesh and the support of the International Coalition in the fight against ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 2 February, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
On January 23, Consul General Win Dayton enjoyed the hospitality and generosity of Muthanna province. During meetings with Governor Dr. Faleh Abdul Hassan al-Zaiyadi and First Deputy Provincial Council Chairman Mohammed Hissoni and other Council members, Consul General Dayton discussed investment, security, and education issues. They also discussed the success of USAID’s Taqadum program, which ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 30 January, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
There is nothing that tastes better than a date from southern Iraq! This week, Consul General Win Dayton was warmly welcomed at the al-Moosawi Dates Factory and was shown the hospitality for which Iraq is famous. The factory is a shining example of Iraqi entrepreneurship and is exporting dates to Europe and exploring markets elsewhere. ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 23 January, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
The U.S. Consulate was honored to be invited to the Army Day ceremony. Thank you to the NGO “Ana Basrawi,” Directorate of Education, Iraqi Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides for a colorful and festive event.
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 12 January, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
The U.S. Consulate General extends its best wishes and congratulations to all Iraqi Police Forces on the occasion of Police Day. Special thanks to Major General Abdul Kareem Mustafa Mezael Al-Mayahi for inviting us to ceremony.
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 12 January, 2017 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
U.S. Consulate staff visited the Women’s Cultural Center to learn about the wide array of programs they offer, from English language course to driving courses to athletic lessons. The U.S. Consulate staff also had the opportunity to teach children how to play “Duck, Duck, Goose”
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 12 January, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
In roundtable session with Iraqi Journalists U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman commended the bravery of all the Iraqis fighting to liberate Mosul from Da’esh. He noted that the battle to free Mosul is difficult because of the size of the city and the “abomination” of Da’esh using civilians as human shields and attacking aid-distribution ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 21 December, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
The Kurmick Hotel in Al Amarah, Maysan is one of the city’s newest buildings. It features first-class amenities for tourists and business travelers. Thank you to the management and staff for their warm display of Maysani hospitality, and for a very informative tour of the facilities during the Consul General’s recent visit to Maysan.
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 13 December, 2016 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
Consul General Win Dayton was received with legendary Maysani hospitality on a recent visit to Al Amarah. The Consul General met with Provincial Council Chairman Monther al-Shawai and members of the Provincial Council. He also took time to speak with students and presented a donation of backpacks full of school supplies and English language teaching ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 13 December, 2016 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
On Tuesday December 13, 2016 , AMB Silliman and Arsalan Suleman, the Acting U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, met a group of civic-minded undergraduates and recent college graduates to discuss issues such as human rights, countering violent extremism, health, education, entrepreneurship, and science and technology.
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 13 December, 2016 | Topics:
Alumni, Ambassador, Culture, Education, Events, Human Rights, News, Public Affairs, Science & Tech, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
During a recent visit to Basrah, Deputy Chief of Mission Stephanie Williams held a round table discussion with Alumni of State Department exchange programs. The Alumni have participated in either short or long-term professional and academic programs in the United States and now maintain an active Alumni Association which conducts community service projects.
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 9 December, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
| Tags: academic programs, Alumni, Alumni Association, exchange programs
Last week, Deputy Chief of Mission Stephanie Williams and Consul General Win Dayton met with Umm Qasr North Port Director Captain Hamid Bkheet and Umm Qasr South Port Director Captain Salim Jabbar and toured the port facilities. They praised the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) and the port’s management for welcoming foreign investors ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 5 December, 2016 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Events, Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
Today the Government of Iraq signed a loan guarantee agreement with the United States. The signing represents the first step in the process for Iraq to obtain greater access to international capital markets. After specific legal requirements and policy considerations have been satisfied, Iraq can move forwards to become the beneficiary of a U.S. sovereign ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 5 December, 2016 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Economic Affairs, Events, News, Press Releases
Deputy Chief of Mission to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Stephanie Williams, visited the Mosawi Grand Mosque when she was in Basrah last week. We were honored by the kindness and generosity of his Excellency Sayed Abdalali Al-Mosawi, who welcomed our special guest so warmly.
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 5 December, 2016 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Events, Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
| Tags: Abdalali Al-Mosawi, Mosawi Grand Mosque, Stephanie Williams
Congratulations to the first graduates of the U.S. Consulate’s Medical English Program. Dr. Welker, our resident surgeon, gave weekly lectures, for six weeks, to Medical students from the University of Basrah. This allowed students to practice use of advanced English for medical purposes. The Consulate will continue the program for additional students to create important ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 27 November, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
| Tags: Medical English Program, medical students, University of Basrah
Consul General Win Dayton and team visited the Armenian Church in Basrah this week. We were received with warm hospitality. The presence of Armenians and other minority communities in town show the rich history of tolerance and peaceful co-existence in Basrah’s
#beautifulmosaic Read More»
By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 22 November, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
Ambassador Silliman met with MP Salim Juma’a Shabak and MP Dr. Hunain Al Qadu to discuss the unity within the Shabak community in Iraq and efforts to restore normal life to areas liberated from Da’esh’s brutal control. Ambassador Silliman assured the MPs that the United States is committed to supporting the Shabak community through working ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 21 November, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News, U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
Consulate General Basrah extends its thanks to our 80 plus distinguished guests from government, academia, and civil society who attended our post-election brunch this morning! Before entering the ballroom, our guests were greeted with life-size cutouts of the Presidential candidates and opportunities for pictures. The catered event included a variety of savory Iraqi finger foods ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 10 November, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
Thank you all for having me out to today’s closing ceremony. I understand it’s been an educational and fun day for everyone. It can require a strong commitment to give up many evenings and weekends for 10 months, to engage in a program like this. Normally, on a Saturday afternoon in the United States, I ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 2 October, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
On September 6, 2016, the U.S. Consulate in Basrah hosted nearly two dozen females leaders from the provinces of Dhi Qar, MAysan, Muthanna and Basrah for a series of roundtable discussions. The Iraqi women met with female Consulate officers from the Economic, Political and Public Affairs sections to discuss opportunities and challenges for women and ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 12 September, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
Remarks by Brian Shelbourn – Economic Officer – U.S. Consulate Basrah Your Excellency Director General Mahmood Abd al- Ameer Hashim, Tarabot Sub-Committee and Project Management Department Head Mr. Ibrahim Abd Al Zahra, Head of Information and Primavera Section Mr. Fadi Salem, Head of Cost Estimation Section Mr. Tahseen Ali Ahmed, Distinguished SRC Project Managers and ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 23 August, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
On August 3, Consul General Ken Gross and Special Advisor for Religious Minorities Knox Thames traveled to Lalish Temple in Ninewa Province to participate in the commemoration of the 2nd anniversary of the Yezidi genocide. Mr. Gross met with Yezidi spiritual leaders, laid flowers at the genocide memorial, and gave remarks noting that as much ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 3 August, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On August 2, Consul General Ken Gross and Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia Knox Thames visited the Erbil Citadel and met with Citadel Director Dr. Dara al-Yakoobi, who informed them about the site’s 6000 years of history, and discussed ongoing threats to Erbil’s cultural heritage. While there, ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 2 August, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On August 1, Consul General Ken Gross met with senior journalists and editors from eight top Iraqi Kurdish media outlets for an informal meet and greet. While there, they discussed the state of media freedom in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, the economic challenges faced by the press, and the key stories that these outlets are ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 1 August, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Ken Gross, the Consul General in Erbil, is a career member of the U.S. Department of State’s Senior Foreign Service. Mr. Gross previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan from 2009-2012. He has had two previous overseas postings in Iraq, including as Principal Officer at the Regional Embassy Office in Basrah, and he returned ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 11 July, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 30, Consul General Matthias Mitman visited the Mamilyan IDP Camp and observed livelihood programs coordinated by the Social Education Economic Development NGO and the United Nations Population Fund. These programs included a woodworking training facility, cooking workshops, music and enrichment programs for children, and psychosocial services for trauma victims. During the visit, CG ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 30 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 27, Consul General Matthias Mitman hosted an Iftar for over twenty Peshmerga soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade. The guest of honor was the Acting KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Karim Sinjari. Mitman told the Kurdish soldiers that the U.S. is proud to partner with the Peshmerga in their fight against Da’esh ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 27 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 26, Consul General Mitman visited the Shrine of Raban Boya near Shaqlawa. Father Anies of the Chaldean Church joined the group for the scenic hike and shared the history of the site, which dates to the fourth century A.D., as well as information about Monk Boya, who established the site as a monastery.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 26 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 2, the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil hosted distinguished guests including IKR President Massoud Barzani for a celebration of the two hundred and fortieth Independence Day of the United States of America. Ambassador Stuart Jones and Consul General Matthias Mitman welcomed the crowd, which included officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government, military and ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On May 30, U.S. Consul General Matthias Mitman visited Peshmerga soldiers at the Erbil’s Emergency Management Center who were injured in the ongoing conflict with Da’esh in Khazir, Ninewa. This visit took place on Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday that honors those military men and women who have given their lives in defense of their ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
In celebration of World Press Freedom Day, Consul General Matthias Mitman addressed journalists, KRG officials, and other defenders of media freedom at Metro Center’s event, Defending Journalists in the IKR. In his remarks, Consul Mitman stressed that a free press is necessary for government accountability, open societies, and economic development. He also praised the work ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On May 5, the U.S. Consulate General Deputy Principal Officer, Roy Perrin, joined Sherzad Omar Mamsani, the Jewish Representative in the Kurdistan Ministry of Religion, for an historic commemoration in Erbil that marked the first Jewish Remembrance Day for Victims of the Holocaust. A moment of silence was observed in respect for the millions who ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 1, Consul General Mitman spoke at the graduation ceremony of the American International School of Kurdistan, encouraging the students to dream big, work hard and to give back to their communities. Many of these students will go on to universities in the United States.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 1 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On April 19, Consulate General Erbil Public Affairs Section hosted a reunion for 22 Fulbright Scholars and Fulbright Student Program alumni. Consul General Matthias Mitman welcomed the guests, commended their participation in the program, and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 19 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On April 4, Consul General Matthias Mitman spoke at a commemoration honoring the 25th anniversary of Operation Provide Comfort. Along with representatives from the British, French and Turkish Consulates General in Erbil and the Kurdistan Regional Government, CG Mitman paid tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives in the effort to provide a safe ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 4 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry honored Yezidi activist Dr. Nagham Nawzat Hasan with the 2016 International Women of Courage Award. The award goes to women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve others’ lives. Dr. Hasan was one of the first physicians to provide psychological ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 29 March, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On January 21, Consul General Matthias Mitman delivered remarks at the Center for the Development of Natural Resources’ “Escaping the Rentier Model: Reforms in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region” conference, hosted by the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani. Consul General Mitman focused on the need for transparency and accountability in the economic reform process, ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 21 January, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On September 29, the U.S. Consulate General hosted members of the Basrah Orchestra for a musical performance, which combined European classical music with traditional Arabic folk music. The event was attended by members of the arts community, as well as students, educators, journalists, and employees of the U.S. Consulate.
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 30 September, 2015 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
On August 3rd, Basrah Governor Majid al-Nasrawi welcomed U.S. Consul General Steve Walker, in his first official visit since assuming his duties at the U.S. Consulate General in Basrah. Consul General Walker expressed appreciation for the opportunity to represent the United States in Iraq’s southern provinces, and affirmed his commitment to advancing economic, commercial, and ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 3 August, 2015 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
On July 15th, U.S. Consulate General Basrah continued its traditional recognition of the Holy Month of Ramadan with an Iftaar dinner hosted by Consul General Matthias Mitman. A broad range of key leaders from across southern Iraq attended the event, which served as an opportunity for discussion, fellowship, and reflection on the significance of Ramadan ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 19 July, 2015 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
Antony J. Blinken Deputy Secretary of State Quai d’Orsay Paris, France June 2, 2015 DEPUTY SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much for the meeting and especially for France’s leadership in this coalition against Daesh. As the foreign minister described, we had a very good discussion today, a candid discussion that was honest about the gains ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 24 June, 2015 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
Readout of Meetings with Salim al-Jabouri, Speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives President Obama dropped by a meeting today at the White House with Vice President Biden and Salim al-Jabouri, Speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives. President Obama and Vice President Biden commended Speaker al-Jabouri for his leadership in parliament and his efforts to bolster ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 23 June, 2015 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AND PRIME MINISTER AL-ABADI OF IRAQ AFTER BILATERAL MEETING Schloss Elmau Krün, Germany 2:53 P.M. CEST THE PRESIDENT: Well, it is a pleasure to be with Prime Minister Abadi and his delegation. Obviously, the United States has made an enormous commitment and investment in Iraq, and we’re fortunate to have a ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Basrah | 8 June, 2015 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Basrah
