Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Iraqi Deputy Speaker Muhsin Mandalawi in Erbil. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said the talks focused on political developments and preparations for Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections. Deputy Speaker Shakhawan Abdullah also attended the meeting.
Both sides stressed the need to resolve long-standing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. They agreed that solutions must come within the federal framework and respect the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional rights. Financial entitlements and fair budget allocations were highlighted as urgent priorities.
Earlier in the day, Mandalawi also held talks with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani. Their discussions covered political, economic, and electoral issues. Both leaders emphasized cooperation and stability as Iraq moves closer to elections.
The meetings came as Erbil hosted a landmark deal on oil exports. The KRG Ministry of Natural Resources, the Iraqi Federal Oil Ministry, and international oil companies reached an agreement to resume the Kurdistan Region’s exports. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is expected to formally announce the deal at Tuesday’s Council of Ministers session.
This breakthrough addresses one of the most divisive issues between Erbil and Baghdad. Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region were halted in March 2023 after an international arbitration ruling. The suspension deepened tensions, caused sharp revenue losses, and delayed public sector salaries.
Relations between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region have long been strained. Disputes over oil revenues, budget distribution, and Article 140 on disputed territories remain unresolved. However, Monday’s talks signal a renewed willingness to find common ground.
Analysts suggest that progress on oil exports and financial arrangements could build momentum toward wider political stability. They argue that cooperation on these core disputes may strengthen the federal system and reduce friction ahead of the elections.
For Erbil and Baghdad, the challenge remains balancing constitutional rights with national unity. Yet the latest agreements highlight a shared recognition that stability, financial security, and cooperation are essential for Iraq’s future.