In a historic visit, Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday for the first time since 2018. His arrival was met with a warm reception from numerous governmental officials and advisors at Baghdad Airport.

Barzani was accompanied by a significant delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and political figures, including Minister of Interior Rebar Ahmed, Chief of Staff to the Council of Ministers in the KRG Dr. Omed Sabah, KDP President’s advisor Dr. Arafat Karam Stuni, KDP members Hemin Hawrami and Azad Barwari, Barzani headquarters spokesperson Khalida Khalil, and other officials.

Among the welcoming officials from Baghdad were Deputy President of the Iraqi Federal Parliament Dr. Shakhawan Abdulla, Minister of Foreign Policy Fouad Hussain, Minister of Defense, Minister of Planning who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Reconstruction and Rehousing, Minister of Work and Social Welfare, Prime Minister’s advisor, Parliament President’s advisor, President of the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), and other high-ranking officials.

Key Meetings and Agenda

President Barzani's visit includes a series of high-profile meetings with leaders of political parties and senior officials in the Iraqi Federal Government, including a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The agenda encompasses crucial discussions on several pressing issues:

Suspended Issues Between Erbil and Baghdad

Gas and Oil Law
Budget Allocation
Kurdistan Region’s Employees’ Salaries
Kirkuk Local Authority Formation
Article 140 Implementation
Shingal Cause

Electing a New President for the Iraqi Federal Parliament

Barzani is also set to meet with Shadow Iraqi Parliament President Muhsin Mandalwi, President of the Federal Supreme Court Council of Iraq Faiaq Zedan, officials of the State Management Coalitions, Head of the Al-Hikma National Movement Amar Hakim, Head of the Sunni Sovereignty Alliance Khamis al-Khanjar, Head of Sunni Taqadawmi Coalitions Mohammed Albousi, as well as ambassadors from the UK, USA, France, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and various Arab countries.

Anticipated Outcomes

This significant visit aims to address and resolve numerous longstanding issues between the KRG and the Iraqi Federal Government. It is expected that through these discussions, both parties will find solutions to the majority of on-hold issues, fostering improved relations and cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad.

Masoud Barzani's return to Baghdad marks a crucial step towards reconciling differences and strengthening political and economic ties in the region.