President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani separately received on Monday in Erbil Mr. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, the Prime Minister of Iraq.

The meeting discussed the latest political developments in the country and the efforts of the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Region to bring the political parties closer together and to protect peace and stability at home. Both sides agreed that dialogue is the only way to reach a solution to the existing problems.

The President and the Iraqi Prime Minister emphasized that it is a collective duty to protect the lives of the citizens and demonstrators in all of Iraq, as well as to protect public and private properties. They also highlighted that all sides must support the security forces to carry out their mission of protecting the country’s security and stability.

Discussions also covered the latest security developments and the recent targeting of several areas in the Kurdistan Region. Both sides reiterated that Iraqi sovereignty must be respected, and reiterated that Iraq must not become a battleground to settle regional disputes. They also stressed that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are committed to friendly relations with neighboring countries and that Iraqi soil must not be a source of threat to these countries.

Both prime ministers discussed the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad and stressed the crucial importance of continuing constructive dialogue to resolve the issues.

Prime Minister Barzani conveyed his concerns regarding the Kurdistan Region’s constitutionally guaranteed share of the Federal budget having been withheld in recent times.

Both sides also emphasized the centrality of ensuring the rights of all constituents within Iraq.