Al-Sudani holds meeting with President of Iraqi Kurdistan Nechervan Barzani

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, convened with President Nechervan Barzani of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, alongside his accompanying delegation, on Saturday.

The meeting, as conveyed by a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), underscored Al-Sudani’s commitment to meeting the needs and aspirations of all Iraqis across the nation while fostering closer integration between the federal government and the authorities in the Kurdistan region.

Key discussions during the meeting revolved around supporting the government’s reform initiatives aimed at realizing national objectives and advancing comprehensive development. Addressing administrative and executive hurdles hindering improvements in living standards, work conditions, and the economy emerged as a focal point. Both sides acknowledged the importance of overcoming these challenges to facilitate progress.

One of the foremost issues on the agenda was the pressing matter of government employee wages in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and the resumption of oil exports, emblematic of the shared concerns between Erbil and Baghdad. The recent announcement by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Masrour Barzani, regarding an agreement reached between the two capitals concerning wage payments, underscores efforts toward resolution.

Despite ongoing financial support from Baghdad to Erbil for wage disbursements, the KRG maintains that the current allocation falls short of meeting the entirety of its payroll obligations. This delineates a continuing point of contention between the two entities, highlighting the complexity of financial arrangements and the necessity for further collaboration to address lingering discrepancies.

As discussions progress, the engagement between Al-Sudani and President Barzani signals a willingness to confront shared challenges and seek mutually beneficial solutions. The meeting serves as a testament to the ongoing dialogue between the federal government and the Kurdistan region, underscoring a commitment to cooperation in addressing pressing issues affecting both entities.

The outcome of the meeting reflects a step forward in the efforts to strengthen ties between Baghdad and Erbil, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration in navigating critical issues and fostering sustainable development across Iraq.