Bafel Talabani to Kurdistan24: We Have Reached a Governance Agreement with the KDP

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), revealed during an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 that his party has reached an understanding with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on the principles of governance as both sides continue intensive negotiations to form the next cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Speaking from the Kurdistan24 studio in Sulaimani, on the sidelines of the 9th Sulaimani Forum, Talabani said: “Our dialogue with the KDP has been constructive and ongoing. So far, the process is progressing positively. We have agreed on the principle of governance, and detailed discussions are underway.”

Talabani added that one of the most encouraging signs in recent weeks has been the increased frequency of meetings with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani several times. These meetings have fostered a greater level of mutual understanding between us,” he said.

Turning to the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary cycle, Talabani emphasized the strategic importance of Kurdish unity. “It is vital that the Kurdish political forces participate in the elections as a united front. In my next meeting with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, I intend to raise this matter for further discussion,” he noted.

With negotiations progressing and both major Kurdish parties expressing willingness to overcome longstanding differences, the prospect of a cohesive, functional government in Erbil appears increasingly attainable. Political analysts view the KDP-PUK agreement on governance principles as a decisive step toward addressing broader regional challenges and restoring public confidence in the political process.