KRG, Iraqi government held 'successful' meeting in Davos

Erbil and Baghdad reiterated their commitment to holding a dialogue and resolving outstanding issues within the framework of the Iraqi constitution.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – High-level delegations from both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi Federal Government met for a second time in attempts to resolve outstanding issues. 

The KRG delegation, headed by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss strained ties between the two parties. 

According to a statement released on the KRG website on Wednesday, they discussed the latest developments from the committees negotiating terms between Erbil and Baghdad. 

Both sides reiterated their commitment to continuing the committees’ work to resolve issues, including the international flight ban on the Kurdistan Region, the statement added. 

The meeting, attended by the energy ministers of both governments, also discussed oil exports and announced both ministries would hold a special session to resolve disputes over the oil industry in the country in hopes of resuming operations, which have been suspended in disputed areas. 

A source within the Kurdish delegation in Davos told Kurdistan 24 the meeting was “successful” without providing any further details. 

On January 20, Prime Minister Barzani and an accompanying KRG delegation met with Abadi in Baghdad for the first time since the Kurdistan Region’s Sep. 25 independence referendum.

Barzani in a press conference this week said he had discussed the salaries of public employees, oil exports, airport control, and border crossings with Abadi, adding that the KRG “will be in communication with the Baghdad-appointed committees sent to the Kurdistan Region to resolve all outstanding issues.”

Editing by Nadia Riva