Masoud Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), is scheduled to visit Baghdad this week for the first time in six years, Asharq al-Awsat reports.
His visit aims to engage in talks and negotiations to address longstanding issues.
According to Kurdish sources, Barzani’s agenda includes discussions on financial allocations, employee salaries, oil and gas legislation, electoral issues, and governance challenges in Kirkuk.
Local elections in Kirkuk have yet to result in a formed government, despite six months having passed since voting took place.
Additionally, Barzani will address the situation in Sinjar, recent Turkish military actions in Dohuk province, and potential threats from armed groups targeting Erbil.
A Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation arrived in Baghdad on Monday to prepare for Barzani’s visit.
The delegation includes Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed, Finance and Economy Minister Awat Sheikh Janab, and the Director General of Customs and Border Crossings.
Erbil is also making strides to strengthen ties with Iraq’s judiciary, especially the Federal Supreme Court. Relations had been strained in recent years due to what the Kurdish region viewed as biased rulings.
Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani’s support for Chief Justice Fayeq Zidan is a key development amidst reports of potential US sanctions linked to Iranian interests targeting Iraqi leaders, including Zidan.
Source: Asharq al-Awsat
