Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani’s Baghdad Visit: A Comprehensive Push for Resolution of Federal-Regional Issues
Kurdistan Region President's agenda intended to cover longstanding financial, political, and constitutional disputes, in particular issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraq's federal government.
Jan. 13, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani embarked on a high-profile visit to Baghdad on Monday, engaging in a series of meetings with Iraqi leaders and political factions.
His agenda intended to cover longstanding financial, political, and constitutional disputes, in particular issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraq's federal government.
The visit showcased a robust commitment to providing resolution to complex issues through dialogue and promoting national unity amid substantial challenges.
Read More: President Nechirvan Barzani Engages in Critical Discussions in Baghdad
State Administration Coalition Meeting: Building a Cooperative Framework
President Barzani began his engagements with the State Administration Coalition, a key political alliance comprising major Iraqi factions, including Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish representatives on Sunday.
The coalition discussed urgent national issues, concentrating on salary payments for Kurdistan Region public sector employees, oil export resumption, and implementing the federal budget law.
Read More: State Administration Coalition address Kurdistan Region salary issues
The coalition issued a statement stressing the necessity for dialogue to align federal and regional priorities, reflecting a unified approach to protecting Iraq's interests in an intricate geopolitical landscape.
Meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani: Focus on Federal-Regional Coordination
President Barzani met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss implementing the federal budget law and promoting cooperation between the federal and regional governments.
Both leaders emphasized the significance of adhering to constitutional obligations and reinforcing mechanisms to guarantee equitable resource allocation.
Read More: Kurdistan Region President, Iraqi PM Hold Strategic Talks Amid Push for Constitutional Alignment
Their discussions emphasized serious national concerns, including the financial rights of the Kurdistan Region and mechanisms for overcoming broader political challenges through unified efforts.
Dialogue with Iraqi President Latif Rashid: Advancing Constitutional Solutions
In a meeting with Iraqi President Latif Rashid, President Barzani reaffirmed the significance of solving disputes within the framework of Iraq’s constitution.
Discussions centered on equitable salary payments, improving relations between Baghdad and Erbil, and promoting mutual understanding through regular exchanges.
Read More: Iraq’s Federal and Regional Presidents Discuss Financial and Political Disputes
President Rashid reaffirmed his support for constructive dialogue, highlighting that solutions must prioritize citizens’ welfare and maintain Iraq’s unity.
Engagement with Chief Justice Jassim Mohammed Abboud: Legal Pathways to Resolution
A critical aspect of the visit was KRP Nechirvan Barzani's meeting with Chief Justice Jassim Mohammed Abboud of Iraq's Federal Supreme Court.
The discussions focused on the judiciary’s role in resolving disputes, principally those involving financial entitlements and constitutional interpretation.
Kurdistan Region President Barzani applauded the judiciary’s impartiality and its contributions to democratic governance, emphasizing the need for judicial oversight to bridge federal-regional divides.
Meeting with Haider al-Abadi and Nouri al-Maliki: Reinforcing Political Consensus
President Barzani held separate discussions with Haider al-Abadi, leader of the al-Nasr Alliance, and Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition.
Both meetings focused on enhancing political cooperation to address national challenges.
Read More: Kurdistan Region President, State of Law Coalition Leader Discuss Regional-Federal Relations
Read More: Kurdistan Region President, Victory Alliance Leader Emphasize Joint Approach to National Challenges
With al-Abadi, the discussions underlined the necessity for joint strategies to ensure stability and safeguard constituent communities' rights.
Barzani and al-Maliki highlighted constitutional adherence as a pathway to solving disputes and assessed the repercussions of regional developments, particularly the developments in Syria, on Iraq’s stability.
Talks with Hadi al-Amiri: Strengthening National Cohesion
During his meeting with Hadi al-Amiri, Secretary General of the Badr Organization, KRP Barzani underlined the need to promote harmony between Baghdad and Erbil.
The leaders engaged in discussions about political and security cooperation, emphasizing the significance of dialogue in overcoming internal divisions and protecting Iraq from regional pressures.
Read More: KRP Nechirvan Barzani, Hadi al-Amiri Discuss Fostering Cooperation, Regional Stability
Discussions with Mohsen al-Mandalawi: Securing Kurdistan’s Financial Rights
President Barzani met with Mohsen al-Mandalawi, leader of the Al-Asas Alliance, to discuss amendments to the 2025 federal budget law.
Both sides advocated for ensuring the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements and implementing sustainable solutions to the region’s fiscal challenges.
The dialogue reflected shared goals of stabilizing Iraq’s economic landscape while protecting Kurdish constitutional rights.
Engagement with Judge Faiq Zidan: Judiciary’s Role in National Stability
In a separate meeting with Judge Faiq Zidan, head of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, KRP Barzani reaffirmed the significance of a strong judiciary in upholding constitutional principles.
Discussions centered on solving salary disputes and financial rights within a legal framework.
The meeting highlighted the judiciary’s role as a stabilizing force, facilitating solutions that promote justice and unity.
Regional Implications and Future Outlook
Throughout these engagements, regional developments, particularly the developments in Syria, featured prominently.
Discussions explored strategies to maintain Iraq’s neutrality amid external pressures, underlining the interconnection between domestic stability and regional dynamics.
President Barzani’s diplomatic efforts signal a wide-ranging approach to solving federal-regional disputes.
By engaging with key political and judicial figures, the visit emphasized a renewed commitment to unity, constitutional governance, and equitable resource distribution.
The outcomes of these discussions will expectedly influence Iraq’s political landscape considerably, setting the stage for a more stable and cooperative future.