Iraqi Political Coalitions Welcome Prime Minister Barzani's Visit, Express Optimism

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraq's Nasr (Victory) Alliance has welcomed Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's visit to Baghdad, describing continued high-level contacts between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) as an opportunity to settle disputes, strengthen cooperation and advance stalled legislation.

Aqeel Rudaini, spokesperson for the Nasr Alliance, told Kurdistan24 on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, that dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad was essential to strengthening political, economic and security relations. His remarks came as Prime Minister Barzani arrived in the Iraqi capital at the head of a high-level delegation, with the Region's share of the proposed 2027 federal budget on the agenda.

"We welcome the visit of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to Baghdad," Rudaini said.

He said regular meetings could bridge disagreements and reinforce state institutions.

Cooperation Beyond the Budget

"The continuation of relations between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government strengthens cooperation at the political, economic and security levels," Rudaini said. "It also reinforces state institutions and strengthens the Kurdistan Region's ties with the federal government."

He said further visits could create the conditions for settling multiple unresolved issues within Iraq, including stalled legislation such as the federal oil and gas law. He also referred to other stalled laws.

He did not announce an agreement on the oil and gas law or a timetable for its passage.

Rudaini also emphasized what he described as Iraq's capacity to meet the financial needs of both administrations through its national resources, provided their distribution is approached fairly and through serious negotiations.

Iraq is a wealthy country, he said, and a genuine understanding between political leaders would make it possible to direct revenues toward both the federal government and the Kurdistan Region.

He called for equitable wealth distribution based on geography and population, describing it as a federal objective rather than an agreed formula.

His comments linked the budget debate with wider questions over sharing national resources.

Prime Minister Barzani Meets Iraqi Prime Minister

Prime Minister Barzani arrived in Baghdad on Monday morning for his second official visit to the Iraqi capital this year. His first meeting was with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaidi, while other engagements with leaders of political parties, coalitions and prominent Iraqi political figures were also scheduled.

KRG spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani told Kurdistan24 that the Prime Minister's discussions would focus on securing the Kurdistan Region's share of the federal budget and resolving outstanding files between the two governments.

Hawramani said the KRG was seeking solutions grounded in the Iraqi Constitution, existing laws and political agreements, with the goal of reaching a comprehensive understanding rather than addressing individual disputes in isolation.

Among the immediate priorities is the Region's share of the draft 2027 federal general budget and the constitutional and financial entitlements associated with it. The talks also concern broader questions that have remained unresolved in the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil.

Hawramani did not announce a new budget settlement.

Prime Minister Barzani previously traveled to Baghdad in May, when discussions likewise centered on strengthening political relations and addressing issues of shared concern. Monday's visit provides another round of direct engagement at the leadership level.

State of Law Figure Sees Progress

The significance of the visit was also highlighted by Sheikh Haider Lami, a senior figure in Iraq's State of Law Coalition, who told Kurdistan24 that Prime Minister Barzani's presence in Baghdad suggested progress toward understanding on difficult issues.

Lami described the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister as a senior political figure with the authority to negotiate outstanding matters with federal leaders. He said the meetings with prominent Iraqi politicians indicated that the two sides had reached advanced points of understanding.

The State of Law figure pointed to the regional and international challenges facing the country as reasons for closer political engagement at this stage.

He also portrayed Prime Minister Barzani as an important link between Erbil and Baghdad, crediting his role in maintaining communication and seeking common ground. Those comments were Lami's assessment of the political situation, not confirmation that specific disputed files had been settled.

Hopes for a Broader Understanding

The two coalitions' remarks expressed support for negotiations, not details of a finalized accord.

For Rudaini, the value of such visits lies in their potential to advance fair revenue sharing, strengthen cooperation and create room to address legislation that remains stalled. Lami, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of high-level leadership contacts in moving positions closer together.

The immediate test will be whether the Baghdad discussions produce an understanding on the Kurdistan Region's federal budget allocation and a practical way forward on other outstanding issues.

As the meetings continue, the KRG has framed its position around constitutional rights, financial entitlements and agreements between the two administrations. The coalition representatives, for their part, have emphasized political dialogue as the means of turning closer relations into concrete solutions.