ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Sunday called former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to congratulate him on his nomination for another term.
A statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency said Barzani expressed support for Maliki and wished him success in forming a government that serves all Iraqis.
“President Nechirvan Barzani extended his congratulations to Mr. Nouri al-Maliki following his nomination as the candidate for Prime Minister of Iraq,” the statement said.
Maliki thanked the Kurdistan Region President for the call and his words of congratulations. Officials said the leaders discussed Iraq’s challenges and the importance of unity in the new government.
The phone call followed the announcement by Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework, which nominated Maliki as its candidate for prime minister. The bloc cited his political and administrative experience as key reasons for the nomination.
The Coordination Framework declared that it had formed the largest bloc in parliament after Iraq’s legislative elections in mid-November. The bloc emphasized that Maliki’s experience would help manage the state effectively.
President Barzani’s congratulations underline the Kurdistan Region’s engagement with Baghdad and its interest in supporting a smooth government formation. Officials said the region continues to advocate for dialogue and cooperation among Iraq’s political factions.
Analysts say forming a government will require negotiations with other parties to ensure representation and stability. Barzani’s outreach to Maliki highlights the Kurdistan Region’s intent to play a constructive role in the process.