Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 10, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mustafa Kadhimi, in Baghdad on Saturday.

Discussions focused on cooperation and coordination between the institutions of the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) within the framework of the constitution and efforts to confront terrorism and criminal activities in the country. The two sides also discussed the status of the Shingal district, public health and ways to contain COVID-19 pandemic, the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and efforts to secure vaccines for the public.

Prime Minister Kadhimi commended the progress in establishing the appropriate mechanism for implementation of constitutional procedures. The Prime Minister referred to the agreement on the Federal Court and the passage of Budget Bill in the parliament and expressed hope that the bill is implemented fully and fairly.

The Prime Minister reiterated the need to strengthen cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil in a way that ensures peace and stability in the country and fills all the security vacuums that can be taken advantage of by terror and criminal groups.

Prime Minister Kadhimi reaffirmed that the frequent visits by President Nechirvan Barzani to Baghdad is signalling the right message to all Iraqis and establishes trust and encourages constructive cooperation and coordination in all areas in the service of the entire country. The Prime Minister also referred to his upcoming trip to the Kurdistan Region.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed delight at visiting Baghdad and commended the Iraqi Prime Minister’s diplomatic and economic efforts which have strengthened Iraq’s position internationally.

President Nechirvan Barzani also shed light on the resolution of the disputes and strengthening of security cooperation. The President reiterated support for the federal government and state institutions to confront the current challenges.

Kurdistan Region President commended the passage of the Budget Bill in the Iraqi Parliament and reiterated that the resolution of the pending issues between Erbil and Baghdad will lead to further stability and prosperity in Iraq.

Other topics of discussion included the President’s recent visit to France, joint efforts to confront terror threats and ISIS, the mission of the International Coalition in Iraq, the upcoming Iraq elections, the sitution in the wider region and other topics of mutual interest.

Both sides reiterated the importance of cooperation among all sides in Iraq to surpass the problems and the crises and expressed hope that the passage of the Budget Bill will support the resolution of differences between Baghdad and Erbil. Both sides reaffirmed the significance of cooperation and coordination between the Peshmarga and Iraqi forces and the support of the International Coalition in confronting ISIS threats.

President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is ready to resolve all the existing disputes with the Federal Government on the basis of constitution and within the framework of the federal system. The President underlined the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to work together with all sides in Iraq in order to secure peace and stability in the country. The President underlined that the resolution of Kurdistan Region’s pending issues with the Federal Government is the key to peace and stability in Iraq.