Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani

Vice President Joe Biden called Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani to discuss recent political and military developments in Iraq. The Vice President discussed his and President Obama’s Monday calls with Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi, and encouraged President Barzani to work closely with Dr. Abadi as he works to build a diverse, inclusive government representative of all Iraqis. Vice President Biden also provided an update on the United States’ humanitarian assistance to refugees on Sinjar Mountain and the latest efforts by the U.S. military to help Iraq security forces counter the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. President Barzani expressed his support for the appointment of Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi, and his willingness to work with Abadi and other leaders to bring Iraq’s different communities together to confront the nation’s political, economic, and security challenges. President Barzani thanked Vice President Biden for his call, and both leaders pledged to continue their regular communication.