'Iraq Needs Effective Governance, Fair Administration,' Says PM Masrour Barzani
Talks focused on removing trade barriers and ensuring free movement of goods across Iraq, with both sides stressing that economic freedom is vital for national growth and stability.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday reaffirmed the importance of constitutional federalism, economic cooperation, and inclusive development during a key meeting with a visiting delegation from the Economic, Industry, and Trade Committee of the Iraqi Council of Representatives.
The meeting, held on Monday, addressed a range of economic and legislative issues crucial to fostering greater integration and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad.
According to an official statement released by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between the KRG, the Iraqi Parliament, and the Federal Government—particularly in advancing legislative frameworks that benefit all Iraqi citizens and communities.
Central to the talks was a shared emphasis on removing obstacles to trade and ensuring the unrestricted movement of goods across all regions of Iraq. Both sides agreed that economic freedom and unimpeded commercial exchanges are essential to national development and economic stability.
Another key point on the agenda was the Development Road Project, an ambitious infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting the Gulf region with Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, Turkiye, and eventually Europe. The project envisions a modern and integrated transit corridor that would elevate Iraq’s role as a strategic logistics hub.
Prime Minister Barzani and the delegation underscored the necessity of ensuring that the Kurdistan Region, alongside all other Iraqi regions and communities, plays an active role and reaps equitable benefits from the undertaking.
“Respect must be shown to Iraq’s federal system and constitution, which clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of every party.” — Prime Minister Masrour Barzani
Barzani reiterated that respect for Iraq’s federal constitution remains a cornerstone for national unity and governance. “Respect must be shown to Iraq’s federal system and constitution, which clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of every party,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that Iraq’s success hinges not merely on its abundant natural and human resources but on establishing a system of governance that ensures fairness, decentralization, and accountability.
“Iraq is a country rich in both natural and human resources, with a significant geopolitical position. What it needs is effective governance and fair administration that respects the rights of all regions and components of Iraq.” — Prime Minister Masrour Barzani
“Iraq is a country rich in both natural and human resources, with a significant geopolitical position,” Barzani noted. “What it needs is effective governance and fair administration that respects the rights of all regions and components of Iraq.”
The visit by the Economic, Industry, and Trade Committee marks a step forward in fostering dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad at a time when intergovernmental relations remain a subject of national focus.
The Kurdistan Region continues to call for equitable inclusion in major federal projects and decision-making processes, especially those with long-term national and regional implications.
Monday’s meeting served not only as a platform for voicing regional priorities but also as a reaffirmation of the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to constitutionalism, economic cooperation, and unified progress within a federal Iraq.
