Masrour Barzani: “We have emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional rights with Baghdad, and they must be implemented.”
Relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government appear to be entering a new phase following the formation of Iraq’s new cabinet under Prime Minister Ali Zaidi.
Recent visits to Baghdad by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani signaled Erbil’s support for the new government and a shared desire to resolve long-standing disputes.
Speaking about his visit, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said he met with Iraqi political leaders and found a willingness to address outstanding issues and “open a new page” in relations between Erbil and Baghdad.
Among the key topics discussed were oil exports, energy cooperation, salaries, border crossings, and political stability. Barzani said the Kurdistan Region is prepared to increase oil production and supply up to 2,000 megawatts of electricity to Iraq’s national grid through expanded gas production.
On public-sector salaries, he said Baghdad had assured the KRG that salary payments would not be linked to other political or administrative disputes.
The Prime Minister also called for the reactivation of the Kurdistan Parliament, stressing that elected institutions must serve the public interest rather than partisan agendas.
Regarding armed groups in Iraq, Barzani emphasized the importance of the rule of law, stating that a stable country requires legal authority to be respected by all.
The recent exchanges between Erbil and Baghdad have raised hopes that both sides can move toward practical solutions and stronger cooperation after years of political and economic disagreements.