Barzani, Iraqi Security Advisor Stress Erbil-Baghdad Cooperation
At a Glance
- KDP President hosted Iraqi National Security Advisor in Erbil on Saturday.
- This marks al-Aboudi’s first official trip to Erbil under the new federal cabinet.
- Talks focused on border control, intelligence sharing, anti-smuggling, and counter-terrorism.
- Al-Aboudi conveyed the Prime Minister's greetings, reaffirming federal commitment to Kurdistan's security.
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani met with Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi in Erbil to discuss domestic political developments, regional security, and enhanced Erbil-Baghdad cooperation.
Key Statement and Focus Area
- The Barzani Headquarters stated that both sides “highlighted the cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Federal Government.”
- The Media Office of the National Security Advisor noted that al-Aboudi reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to making every effort to preserve the security and stability of the Region and all Iraqi cities.
Al-Aboudi arrived in Erbil on Saturday, leading a high-level security delegation to meet with the KDP President in Pirmam, marking his first official visit to the Kurdistan Region since assuming office under the new federal cabinet.
In a statement, the Barzani Headquarters noted that both sides exchanged views on the current situation and the latest security and political developments in the region.
They emphasized bilateral cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal Government “in the areas of stability and countering potential threats.”
Regarding the meeting, al-Aboudi’s Media Office said the discussions focused on “the continued coordination and cooperation between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Region.”
“Key areas discussed included border control, maintaining security and stability, enhancing security cooperation, and exchanging information regarding anti-smuggling and counter-terrorism efforts,” the office added.
During the meeting, al-Aboudi conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi to leadership in the Region, “reaffirming the Federal Government's commitment to making every effort to preserve the security and stability of the Region and all Iraqi cities.”
FYI
The high-level meeting took place against the backdrop of renewed border tensions and a recent regional security pact signed between Baghdad and neighboring countries.
This ongoing operational framework focuses on tightening border security, securing entry corridors, and strictly implementing security agreements designed to address transnational threats.
Just days prior to the meeting, the KRG and the federal government achieved a breakthrough final agreement to implement the automated ASYCUDA customs system across all border crossings.
The landmark deal definitively settles long-standing revenue disputes by instituting an equal 50-50 split of border crossing revenues between Erbil and Baghdad.
Following extensive joint military committee reviews, both capitals finalized a unified strategic plan to protect international oil companies operating within the Kurdistan Region.
This coordination aims to shield vital oil fields from recurring regional drone and missile strikes while bridging security gaps between the Iraqi Army and Kurdish Peshmerga forces.
Concurrently, as the U.S.-led Global Coalition executes its military asset drawdown ahead of the fixed September 30, 2026 deadline, Baghdad and Erbil are actively coordinating the systematic inventory and handover of strategic military bases to domestic security agencies.
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