Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani are meeting today in Dukan to discuss the formation of the KRG’s tenth cabinet.

According to Channel8’s correspondent in Dukan, the talks will focus on the distribution of government posts.
The PUK has emphasized its demand to be a genuine and equal participant in the new government and has reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people.

This marks the third meeting between Bafel Jalal Talabani and Masrour Barzani regarding cabinet formation, raising expectations that an understanding or preliminary agreement may soon be reached on the division of roles between the PUK and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

Both sides have previously acknowledged the difficulty of this phase, stressing that more discussions are needed, but today's meeting is seen as a potential turning point toward accelerating the government formation process.

Channel8 sources confirm that today's session will be pivotal in moving negotiations into a more serious and decisive stage.

A senior source familiar with the talks told Channel8 that high-level delegations from both the PUK and the KDP will participate in the discussions today in Dukan.

Following earlier rounds of talks, Bafel Jalal Talabani stressed that negotiations with Masrour Barzani were based on "the principle of genuine governance," aiming for a government that reflects true partnership and service to the people.

"Our meeting with Masrour Barzani was very good, and we agreed on several strategic issues that are beneficial for our nation," said Bafel Jalal Talabani after the previous session.

Masrour Barzani echoed similar sentiments, stating:

"The meetings were very positive and constructive, addressing key issues important to the people of Kurdistan and the broader region. We have made good progress."

The coming days will reveal whether today's discussions can pave the way for finalizing the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government's tenth cabinet.