KRG Delegation in Baghdad for Key Talks on Oil Export Agreement
A KRG delegation arrived in Baghdad Monday to deliver its response to a federal draft on oil exports. Talks continue over key issues, including revenue sharing and control of the oil portfolio, as both sides seek a deal to resume exports and release delayed salaries.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — A delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) arrived in Baghdad on Monday to deliver the KRG's official response to a draft agreement proposed by the Iraqi federal government concerning the resumption of oil exports, Kurdistan24 correspondents in Baghdad have confirmed.
According to Dilan Barzan, Kurdistan24’s correspondent in Baghdad, the KRG delegation brought its formal response to the federal government’s draft and is engaged in ongoing talks with Iraqi officials to finalize an agreement.
Shvan Jabari, another Kurdistan24 correspondent in Baghdad, reported: “The Kurdistan Regional Government delegation is in Baghdad and is scheduled to meet at 11:00 AM with Ihsan al-Awadi, the Head of the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office.”
Jabari explained that the federal draft includes key demands: the full transfer of the Kurdistan Region’s oil portfolio and 50 percent of its non-oil revenues, amounting to no less than 90 billion Iraqi dinars.
“Today, Monday, the KRG delegation has brought its response to the Iraqi government,” Jabari said. “Also, this evening, [Prime Minister] Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani has a meeting with the Coordination Framework. If the KRG has issues with the draft, it will be discussed thoroughly in the Coordination Framework meeting so that preparations can be made for a vote on the agreement in tomorrow's general meeting of the Iraqi Council of Ministers, and so that May's salaries can be disbursed, whether as an advance (sulfa) or a loan.”
Regarding the substance of the KRG’s response, Jabari noted a positive alignment on several fronts. “I have information on the content of the Kurdistan Regional Government's response; there is a significant convergence of views. The Iraqi government requested 280,000 barrels of oil, and the KRG has indicated in its response that it is prepared to provide 280,000 barrels. However, there may be an issue with handing over the entire oil portfolio to SOMO (State Organization for Marketing of Oil),” he added.
The discussions are seen as pivotal in resolving long-standing disputes over oil revenue sharing between Erbil and Baghdad. The outcome of these negotiations may determine not only the resumption of oil exports but also the disbursement of delayed public sector salaries in the Kurdistan Region.
K24 Correspondents Dilan Barzan and Shvan Jabbari contributed to this report.
