Senior officials from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) held a high-level meeting in Pirmam last week, described by both sides as ‘productive and constructive’, with a renewed commitment to resolving the Region’s salary crisis and forming a new cabinet.
A senior PUK Political Bureau member, who took part in the meeting and spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the two parties held “serious and meaningful” talks, particularly on the issue of public sector salaries. “The meeting was very positive and understanding between both sides was strong,” the official said, adding that forming a new cabinet for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was also a key agenda item. He described the cabinet formation process as “a very welcome step.”
The official noted that both sides expect progress on cabinet formation to follow once the salary dispute with the federal government is resolved.
The meeting was led by KDP President Masoud Barzani and PUK President Bafel Talabani. In a joint statement issued afterward, both Political Bureaus said: “President Masoud Barzani received President Bafel Talabani and his delegation, and a meeting was held between the Political Bureaus of the KDP and PUK.”
The statement said the talks focused on “recent developments, ongoing challenges in the Kurdistan Region and its relations with the federal government — especially financial entitlements and the salaries of public employees.”
As for the outcomes, the statement emphasized: “Following constructive dialogue, both parties agreed to intensify efforts to resolve outstanding issues, ensure payment of salaries and financial rights of the Region, and pursue all necessary steps within the constitutional framework through joint coordination.”
Another part of the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties to “overcome instability and safeguard the Region’s governance and constitutional achievements.” The statement concluded by urging all political forces in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq to unify their stances and support solutions to the ongoing crises.
This marks the second major meeting between the two parties since May 21, when delegations led by Hoshyar Zebari (KDP) and Qubad Talabani (PUK) met in Erbil’s Saad Abdullah Hall.
Also on Thursday, July 17, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani issued a statement expressing appreciation to the people of Kurdistan after the Iraqi Council of Ministers approved a new financial understanding with the Kurdistan Region.
Barzani stated: “After the KRG did everything within its power to reduce the burden on our citizens — showing maximum flexibility and fully honoring its commitments — and following extensive negotiations, today the Iraqi Council of Ministers approved a joint agreement between both governments. We welcome this step and look forward to the swift disbursement of the Region’s salaries and entitlements.”
He went on to thank the people of Kurdistan for their endurance: “I deeply value the patience and resilience of our people. I also extend my sincere thanks to all parties and individuals who worked to resolve the salary crisis and continued to support our efforts.”
PM Barzani expressed hope that going forward, salaries and financial dues — which he described as a rightful claim of the people — would no longer be entangled in political disputes. He reiterated that all issues should be addressed constitutionally and through mutual respect for agreements.
