Joint statement from the Iraqi and Kurdistan Region Economic Councils meeting

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Economic Council held its 28th regular meeting with the Kurdistan Region Economic Council in Erbil, focusing on a range of issues concerning the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The two-day meeting, conducted in a constructive and open atmosphere, covered topics of mutual interest, including financial, agricultural, and trade matters, according to the joint statement.

One of the key outcomes was a recommendation to the Federal Council of Ministers, urging the Federal Ministry of Finance to address the issue of suspended salaries for civil servants in the Kurdistan Region. These salaries had been halted due to incomplete biometric data, and the council advocated for their prompt resolution and distribution.

Other discussions involved critical areas such as agricultural permits, export and import licenses, factory approvals, company registration processes, contractor classifications, and matters related to border crossings, customs regulations, oil, energy, and the banking sector.

The council also recommended the continuation of joint committees across ministries and sectors to ensure the smooth execution of shared tasks and to foster mutual understanding that benefits all Iraqis.

Additionally, the Iraqi Economic Council proposed a special high-level meeting to address oil, energy, border crossings, and customs issues in greater detail. To further strengthen cooperation, the Kurdistan Region Economic Council was invited to participate in a future joint meeting in Baghdad.

The meeting marked a significant step in advancing cooperation and resolving economic issues between the Federal Government and the KRG.