Abadi, Barzani discuss boosting Erbil-Baghdad cooperation

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday met with his outgoing Iraqi counterpart Haider al-Abadi in Baghdad as politicians there continue to negotiate the formation of the next government, just as Erbil anticipates similar intensive talks as soon as the results of its regional elections are announced.

"During the meeting, talks were held on the political, security, and economic situation in the country," read a statement released by Abadi's office.

The statement added that both sides had also discussed "coordination between the center [Baghdad] and the region [Erbil] to boost joint-cooperation and continue to chase terrorist cells."

Relations between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq are slowly improving since deteriorating after Kurdistan held a historic independence referendum in September 2017. Baghdad rejected the legitimacy and results of the vote, despite an overwhelming 93 percent voting for secession from Iraq.

In response, the Iraqi government imposed a set of punitive measures on the KRG, including border closures, an international flight ban, and the use of military force on Oct. 16, 2017, to regain control of disputed territories.

"It was emphasized that dialogue and discussion within the framework of the Constitution could resolve outstanding problems to serve the country," the statement concluded.

Recently, the Iraqi parliament elected the country's new president, Barham Salih, who in turn called on the prime ministerial candidate agreed upon by the country's major Shia parties and coalitions to form the future cabinet. That prime minister-designate, Adil Abdul-Mahdi, has until early November to achieve a consensus.  

Erbil is also due to begin the process of regional government formation after the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) appears to have dominated in the Sept. 30 election, according to initially-released results.

Editing by John J. Catherine