Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 3, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Muhammad Al-Halbousi, the Speaker of Iraq’s Parliament, in Erbil on Monday.

Discussions covered the developments in the country, the upcoming general elections and their anticipated impact on the political process in Iraq, Erbil-Baghdad relations, the threat of ISIS and its recent movements, cooperation and coordination among the parties to ensure security and stability, and the situation in the wider region.

The importance of collective national efforts of all parties to confront the challenges facing the country and surpassing the crises was reaffirmed. It was underlined that unity and consensus paves the way for lasting peace and stability in Iraq. The two sides also expressed hope that the upcoming elections will meet the aspirations of people for stability, improved public services and livelihoods for all citizens.