The US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman announced the start of the largest US consulate complex in the world on Monday in Erbil with Kurdistan Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, reports Rudaw news.

Speaking at a foundation laying ceremony, Mr Silliman said,

“The ties between the people of Iraqi Kurdistan Region and the United States of America have endured for decades. The new consulate building demonstrates that the United States will stand with the people of Iraqi Kurdistan Region, as they build  future that will be brighter than the past.”

“The United States wants to work with the KRG, but more importantly with Kurdish businessman and businesswomen to help attract new projects to come here to Kurdistan. I believe Iraqi Kurdsitan Region will be an important point of entry for foreign investment because the region has a very positive history of doing business,” he added.

Speaking at the event Iraqi Kurdistan President Barzani said,

“I thank and congratulate them for this decision. We see it as a significant and valuable step, and hope that it will be finished successfully at its schedule time. Construction of the American Consulate General complex in Erbil … is a sign of trust by America in currently and bright future for Kurdistan. I thank and congratulate them for this decision. We see it as a significant and valuable step, and hope that it will be finished successfully at its schedule time. Construction of the American Consulate General complex in Erbil … is a sign of trust by America in currently and bright future for Kurdistan.”

President Barzani highlighted that US relations with the Kurdistan Region dated back to 1991 when the US had a role in establishing a no fly zone for the region.

The new US consulate building will cost $600 million. The construction commences, despite Iraq's justice system Kurdistan's recent independence referendum unconstitutional and unlawful.