PM Designate Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Erbil on Saturday to begin high-level consultations on forming Iraq’s next government and coordinating political steps with the Kurdistan Region.
Masrour Barzani received Al-Zaidi at Erbil International Airport. The PM designate led a senior delegation from the Shiite political bloc, signaling a new phase of negotiations after weeks of preliminary talks.
Sources say the visit focuses on final-stage discussions about forming both the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Therefore, leaders aim to align timelines and reduce political friction.
Al-Zaidi plans to meet key Kurdish leaders, including Masoud Barzani and Nechirvan Barzani. These meetings aim to build consensus among major political actors.
Officials believe the talks could help improve relations between Erbil and Baghdad. In addition, they seek to resolve pending political and administrative issues.
Al-Zaidi’s visit follows his recent nomination by Nizar Amedi. He secured backing from the largest parliamentary bloc, known as the Shiite Coordination Framework.
The nomination marks a shift in Iraq’s political landscape. The bloc had initially supported Nouri al-Maliki but later changed course. This decision followed internal negotiations and external pressure.
Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and al-Maliki withdrew their candidacies to support a consensus candidate. As a result, Al-Zaidi emerged as the agreed nominee.
Observers say these developments reflect efforts to overcome political divisions. Meanwhile, ongoing talks in Erbil will play a key role in shaping the next phase of governance in Iraq.