Erbil economic talks to resolve most outstanding issues, says Iraqi Deputy PM
In a statement to Kurdistan24 on Monday, Dr. Hussein characterized the discussions with the Kurdistan Regional Government's economic delegation as "very good," with a "very good understanding" on the path to resolving outstanding matters.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Dr. Fuad Hussein, the head of the Federal Economic Council and Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, expressed confidence that the bilateral meetings with the Kurdistan Regional Economic Council will successfully address most of the pending issues between the two governments.
In a statement to Kurdistan24's correspondent Nawras Abdullah on Monday, Dr. Hussein characterized the discussions with the Kurdistan Regional Government's economic delegation as "very good," with a "very good understanding" on the path to resolving outstanding matters.
Dr. Hussein emphasized that the meetings between the two councils are expected to provide solutions to a majority of the financial and economic challenges faced by the federal government and the Kurdistan Region.
Kurdistan Region's Finance and Economy Minister Awat Sheikh Janab expressed optimism about the ongoing meetings with the Iraqi Economic Council in Erbil, stating that they "will end positively."
Read More: Positive outlook for Erbil economic talks, says KRG Finance Minister
Speaking to Kurdistan 24 correspondent Nawras Abdullah on Monday, Minister Janab, a member of the KRG's economic delegation, revealed that discussions had encompassed a wide range of topics, including salaries, trade, agriculture, and other key issues.
Sources within the Council of Ministers indicate that the ongoing meetings between the economic councils of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are expected to yield "productive results" that benefit both salaried employees and the general public.
Read More: Economic talks in Erbil signal positive outcomes for Kurdistan Region
"Sunday's meetings were positive, with a good understanding between both delegations on many issues," a source involved in the discussions told Kurdistan 24. "We anticipate signing several agreements on Monday."
The Kurdistan Region's Economic Council, chaired by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, includes Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Minister of Trade and Industry Kamal Muslim, Chairman of the Kurdistan Board of Investment Mohammed Shukri, President of the Diwan of the Council of Ministers Umed Sabah Othman, and other key ministers and officials.
The Iraqi Economic Council, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning Fuad Hussein, consists of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Muhammad Ali Tamim, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq Ali al-Alaq, Iraqi Minister of Trade Athir Daoud Salman, and several other ministers.
The agenda for these crucial talks encompassed a wide array of topics vital to both economies, including salaries, the Kurdistan Region's budget, customs regulations, bilateral trade relations, company registration, investment opportunities, and other pertinent issues.
The positive outlook expressed by Dr. Hussein suggests a potential breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations, paving the way for improved economic cooperation and stability between Baghdad and Erbil.