U.S. Welcomes Talks Between Kurdistan and Iraq on Budget and Salaries
In a recent development, the U.S. Department of State has expressed its support for the ongoing discussions between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government of Iraq regarding crucial financial matters. The talks revolve around the allocation of Kurdistan's share of the national budget and the payment of monthly salaries to public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region.
A high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, made an official visit to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Thursday. During their visit, the delegation engaged in a series of meetings with top Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, President Abdul Latif Rashid, and Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi. They also met with leaders of various Iraqi political parties.
The U.S. Department of State, in a statement to Kurdistan24, welcomed the continuation of dialogue between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the central government in Baghdad. It called upon both Iraqi and Kurdish authorities to work collaboratively to address budget-related issues in accordance with the Iraqi constitution, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions that benefit all Iraqis.
The delegation from the Kurdistan Region arrived in Baghdad with a specific agenda, focusing on discussions related to the disbursement of salaries to public sector employees in the region and the fair allocation of Kurdistan's portion of the national budget.
The delegation consisted of key figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Minister of Finance and Economy Awat Sheikh Janab, Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Omeed Sabah, and Cabinet Secretary Amanj Rahim.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, upon his arrival in Baghdad, took to Twitter to reaffirm the purpose of his visit. He stated that he was in the federal capital to advocate for the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region's people and to actively engage in resolving outstanding financial issues.
This development signifies a constructive effort to enhance understanding and dialogue between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government of Iraq, as they work towards finding mutually beneficial solutions to fiscal and budgetary matters. The outcome of these discussions is eagerly awaited as it has the potential to impact the livelihoods of many in the Kurdistan Region and beyond.