Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani expressed gratitude to Kurdish leaders for their role in the Kurdistan oil export agreement. He called Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to thank them for supporting the deal.
Sudani also contacted Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), acknowledging their contributions. The Prime Minister praised the Kurdish political forces for helping reach a final agreement that allows oil exports from Kurdistan to resume and revenue to flow to the central treasury.
A statement from the Kurdistan Region presidency highlighted Sudani’s message of appreciation for Nechirvan Barzani’s “unwavering support and ongoing efforts at every stage to foster understanding and agreement” between Erbil and Baghdad.
Sudani described the deal as “a significant step forward in addressing issues between Erbil and Baghdad,” noting that it is expected to positively influence Iraq’s economic stability. In response, President Barzani thanked Sudani for his efforts and emphasized that the agreement “paves the way for new opportunities.”
The deal follows more than two years of negotiations. The KRG, the Iraqi federal government, and international oil companies reached the agreement earlier this week to resume exports through the Iraq–Turkey pipeline to Ceyhan Port. Exports had been suspended in March 2023 after a Paris-based arbitration court ruled that Ankara violated a 1973 pipeline deal with Baghdad by allowing Erbil independent export rights starting in 2014.
Both Sudani and Barzani recognized the Kurdistan oil export agreement as a major achievement that benefits all Iraqi citizens. They also agreed that the 2026 federal budget should reflect Kurdistan’s rightful share of revenues.
Prime Minister Barzani thanked Sudani for removing obstacles to implementing the deal. Both leaders emphasized that the agreement restores critical oil flows, strengthens federal relations, and supports Iraq’s broader economic stability.
The Kurdistan oil export agreement marks a historic milestone for Baghdad-Erbil cooperation, ending a prolonged suspension and creating new economic opportunities for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole.