Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Jalal Talabani met Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad to discuss recent political developments in Iraq and the wider region, according to a statement released by the PUK President’s Press Office.

The two sides reviewed the latest political dynamics and stressed the importance of coordination and cooperation among political forces to address current challenges facing the country.

According to the statement, the meeting also focused on the need to complete constitutional obligations, including the election of Iraq’s president and the formation of a new federal government. Talabani reaffirmed the PUK’s readiness to participate in the presidential election process and support the formation of what he described as a “strong service-oriented government” capable of delivering services to citizens across Iraq.

The talks come amid ongoing negotiations among Iraqi political blocs over government formation and key constitutional positions, a process that has repeatedly faced delays due to political disagreements.

Government formation in Iraq requires political consensus among major parliamentary blocs, with the presidency and premiership traditionally shaped through power-sharing arrangements. Kurdish parties, including the PUK, play a central role in negotiations surrounding the election of the president, a position conventionally held by a Kurdish candidate.

The meeting in Baghdad reflects continued efforts by Iraqi leaders to maintain dialogue as political forces seek to advance constitutional procedures and form a new government.