KRG PM and UK ambassador discuss Kurdistan role in upcoming election

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, met with British Ambassador to Iraq, Jon Wilks, on Saturday evening and discussed the upcoming Iraqi Parliamentary election set to take place on May 12. 

According to a statement released by the PM’s media office, Barzani welcomed the UK ambassador, British Consul General to Erbil, Martin Warr, and an accompanying delegation.

In addition to the upcoming legislative elections, the KRG and British officials discussed the need for a consensus government to follow the vote and expressed their hopes for a successful and peaceful transition of power. They also emphasized the KRG playing a notable role in the democratic process and the future of the country.

In the meeting, both sides highlighted the ongoing Erbil – Baghdad dialogue that led to a partial normalization of relations between the offices. Barzani’s office said they are hopeful talks will encourage further and broader negotiations after the formation of a new federal government.

Iraqi parliamentary elections are less than a week away, with candidates and party leaders hitting the campaign trail across the country.  

Last Sunday, Barzani met with UK Minister of State for the Middle East at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Alistair Burt, during which the KRG’s role in the formation of a consensus government and its efforts in normalizing relations with Baghdad were praised.

Barzani at the time took the opportunity to thank the UK’s military and humanitarian support to the Kurdistan Region. He had asked the US-led coalition and the UK to help implement reforms in Iraq, in general, and the Kurdistan Region in particular, according to the KRG’s press office.