President Barzani, Iraq Security Advisor Discuss Regional Threats and Border Security

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - President Masoud Barzani met with Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim Aboudi in Erbil on Saturday to discuss Iraq's political and security situation, regional developments and closer coordination between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The meeting, held on Aug. 15, came during heightened regional tensions and amid ongoing efforts by Iraq's federal and regional authorities to strengthen security cooperation and prevent threats from crossing their borders.

Regional Developments and Coordination

According to a readout published by the Barzani Headquarters, the two sides exchanged views on the latest political and security developments in Iraq and the wider region.

The statement said they also highlighted the continuing coordination between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government on regional stability and confronting potential threats.

A separate statement from the Office of the Iraqi National Security Advisor said the discussions covered Iraq's internal situation as well as recent regional and international developments.

The talks also addressed ways to strengthen coordination between Baghdad and Erbil on security issues of mutual concern.

Border Security and Intelligence Sharing

Border control featured prominently in the discussions, according to Aboudi's office.

The two sides discussed preserving security and stability along Iraq's borders and expanding cooperation between federal and Kurdistan Region security institutions.

The meeting also included discussions on intelligence sharing, particularly efforts to prevent smuggling and combat terrorism.

Such coordination has become increasingly important as Iraqi authorities seek tighter control over the country's borders while responding to wider regional security pressures.

Qasim Aboudi stressed the federal government's commitment to the Kurdistan Region.

"The federal government is committed to protecting the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region and all areas of Iraq,"

he said, according to the statement from his office.

First Erbil Visit as National Security Advisor

The meeting forms part of Aboudi's first official visit to Erbil since becoming Iraq's national security advisor under Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi.

Earlier on Saturday, Aboudi arrived in the Kurdistan Region at the head of a high-level security delegation. He was received at Erbil International Airport by Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Reber Ahmed.

Read More: Iraq Security Chief in Erbil for Talks on Border Pact and Drone Attacks

His delegation was scheduled to hold further meetings with senior Kurdistan Region officials, with discussions expected to include the tripartite security arrangements involving Baghdad, Erbil and Tehran, border security and recent attacks targeting Erbil.

The President Barzani-Iraq's NSA Aboudi meeting therefore adds to ongoing efforts by Iraq's federal and regional authorities to maintain a coordinated security posture amid a rapidly changing regional environment.

This article was updated on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at 01:46pm.