Kurdistan Region President arrives in Baghdad for high-level talks
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani arrived in Baghdad on Sunday evening, initiating a significant diplomatic mission aimed at addressing critical issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq. The visit comes at a crucial time as both governments seek to resolve persistent challenges in their relationship.
Nechirvan Barzani’s schedule includes meetings with key Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani, President Latif Rashid, and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Mashhadani. The high-level engagements will also extend to meetings with Judiciary Chief Fayeq Zedan and Federal Court President Jassim Mohammed Aboud.
Broad political outreach and key discussion points
In an effort to build consensus across Iraq’s political spectrum, Barzani will meet with prominent Shiite leaders, including Fatah leader Hadi Amiri, State of Law Coalition leader Nuri al-Maliki, and Hikma Movement leader Ammar Hakim. These discussions underscore the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to engaging with various political factions in Baghdad.
The visit’s agenda focuses on several unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad. Chief among these are the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements, budget allocations, and salary payments. The discussions will also address the critical matter of amending the budget law to facilitate the resumption of Kurdistan’s oil exports, which represents a vital economic interest for both regions.
Additionally, the talks will cover challenges related to border crossings and trade operations between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The long-standing issue of Article 140, which concerns disputed territories, will also be on the table, along with broader regional matters affecting both governments.
The timing of Barzani’s visit, with meetings scheduled to begin today, reflects the urgency of addressing these outstanding issues. As both Erbil and Baghdad seek to strengthen their relationship, these discussions could mark a significant step toward resolving long-standing disagreements between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq.