PM Barzani, Finnish Ambassador Discuss Erbil-Baghdad Issues, 2027 Budget Share
During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and Finland.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday, received Finnish Ambassador to Iraq Antti Putkonen to discuss bilateral relations, the formation of a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet, and outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and Finland.
They also exchanged views on the need to reactivate the Kurdistan Region Parliament as a first step toward forming a new KRG cabinet.
The discussions also addressed unresolved issues between the KRG and the Iraqi federal government, with both sides highlighting the importance of respecting the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional rights and financial entitlements.
Particular attention was given to the Kurdistan Region’s share of Iraq’s 2027 federal budget. The Region’s share, based on the officially approved results of Iraq’s 2024 census, should reflect its approximately 14 percent share of the country’s population.
Relations between the Kurdistan Region and Finland include diplomatic engagement and cooperation in security and military training. Finland has contributed to international efforts to defeat ISIS, including support for the Peshmerga forces as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS since 2015.
The KRG has also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Finland in areas including trade, education, agriculture, industry, and technical expertise. Kurdish officials have previously called for a stronger Finnish diplomatic and consular presence in Erbil to facilitate bilateral engagement and investment.
