Baghdad, Iraq - On Monday, July 17, 2023, a high-level governmental team from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) led by Dr. Umed Sabah, President of the Diwan of the KRG's Council of Ministers, held a meeting with an Iraqi governmental team in Baghdad.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the implementation of the federal budget articles related to the KRG's fiscal obligations and the region's financial entitlements.

The KRG's team, comprising Dr. Umed Sabah, Dr. Abdul Hakim Khasraw, Director of the Department of Coordination and Follow Up, Dr. Khalid Chawshly, Senior Adviser at the Council of Ministers for administrative and financial affairs, and budget experts from various KRG ministries, engaged in comprehensive discussions with their counterparts from the Iraqi ministries.

During the meeting, both sides focused on addressing the fiscal obligations of the Kurdistan Region as outlined in the federal budget and ensuring the fulfillment of the region's financial entitlements. The discussions encompassed a range of topics, including revenue-sharing mechanisms, financial transfers, and budget allocations.

The KRG team emphasized the importance of adhering to the agreed-upon provisions in the federal budget and ensuring that the Kurdistan Region receives its fair share of resources to effectively meet its financial commitments and provide essential services to its residents.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to continued collaboration and cooperation. They agreed to work closely with the Iraqi ministries of Finance, Oil, and Finance Auditing in preparation for an upcoming summit meeting between the KRG and the Iraqi government in the coming days. This summit aims to further address and resolve any outstanding issues related to the fiscal matters between the two entities.

The KRG delegation reaffirmed its dedication to constructive dialogue and negotiation, aiming to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution that upholds the interests of both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole. They expressed optimism about the progress made during the meeting and looked forward to fruitful outcomes from the upcoming summit.

The discussions held between the KRG and the Iraqi government signify an ongoing commitment to dialogue and cooperation in addressing financial matters, strengthening the relationship between the two entities, and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources for the benefit of all Iraqis.