At a Glance

• Qubad Talabani met UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Ambassador Irfan Siddiq in Erbil.
• Talabani requested continued UK military training, Peshmerga institutionalization, and a National Security College.
• Both sides agreed a unified Kurdistan Regional Government is vital for Iraqi and regional stability.
• Both nations committed to joint strategies to prevent illegal youth migration through closer coordination.

KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell in Erbil on Monday to discuss regional security coordination, upcoming government formation, and joint strategies to combat illegal migration.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Qubad Talabani's Media Office said that the Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope that UK support “would continue in the areas of training, further institutionalizing the Peshmerga forces, and establishing the National Security College at the University of Sulaimani.”
• “Both sides emphasized increasing coordination and joint work to prevent the illegal migration of youth,” Talabani's office noted.

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During a meeting on Monday with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell—which was also attended by British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq—Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani expressed his gratitude for the UK’s military assistance, particularly during the war against ISIS and throughout the ongoing process of unifying the Peshmerga forces.

Talabani stressed that following the unification of the Peshmerga forces, work is underway to reorganize and establish robust coordination among all security and intelligence forces across the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding the establishment of the new Kurdistan Regional Government, both sides agreed “that forming a unified and strong government in the Region will have a significant impact on maintaining security and stability in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.”

Talabani emphasized that finalizing the federal government cabinet is a crucial step forward. He noted that with this milestone achieved, both the KRG and the federal government must now step up efforts to build a deeper mutual understanding and settle their remaining unresolved issues.

The meeting also addressed the issue of illegal migration, with both sides emphasizing the need for increased coordination and joint efforts to prevent the illegal migration of young people.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that targeting economic development toward high-migration areas is the most effective solution to curb illegal migration. Within this framework, he highlighted the critical role of the Raparin Regional Development Agency and requested increased British support to help develop the region and create jobs for local youth.

FYI

The United Kingdom and the Kurdistan Regional Government share a long-standing diplomatic and security relationship, rooted in historical Western support and deep cooperation within the Global Coalition against ISIS.

British military advisers provide critical training and logistical support to the Peshmerga forces. A key focus of this collaboration involves institutional security reforms aimed at unifying units under a professionalized, single command structure within the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

Following the October 2024 elections, political parties in the Kurdistan Region experienced extensive negotiations regarding parliament reactivation and cabinet formation. 

Establishing a unified governance framework remains a central priority for local leaders to maintain internal stability and manage relations with the federal government in Baghdad.

Efforts to counter irregular migration from the Kurdistan Region to Europe, particularly the UK, form a core pillar of bilateral security discussions. 

Recent strategic initiatives focus on combining law enforcement coordination with socioeconomic development programs targeting youth employment in high-emigration areas.

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