Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with UK Ambassador to Iraq, Steven Hitchen, in Erbil on Wednesday to discuss pressing regional matters, including the resumption of oil exports and the formation of a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, the meeting addressed key issues affecting the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the broader Middle East, with both parties highlighting the importance of a swift and inclusive government formation process. The British ambassador praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of Kurdistan’s recent parliamentary elections and congratulated PM Barzani on its success, underscoring the significance of high voter participation.

The discussion also covered plans for a new KRG cabinet. PM Barzani, who serves as the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) vice president, reiterated his party’s commitment to an inclusive and unified government that reflects the will of the electorate. He noted that the KDP does not hold a veto over other parties’ involvement in the new administration, aiming for a cooperative government structure.

Following the meeting, PM Barzani posted a statement on Facebook, acknowledging the UK’s support for Kurdistan's electoral process. He stressed the urgency of accelerating the government formation, stating, “We aim to establish a government that reflects the election results and represents the voices of all participating forces.”

Additionally, discussions emphasized securing financial entitlements for the Kurdistan Region and highlighted the critical importance of resuming oil exports. The suspension of exports has affected the region’s economy, and resuming them is seen as essential to economic stability.

The meeting underscores the commitment of both the Kurdistan Region and the UK to a smooth political transition and sustainable economic strategies, with hopes of a new KRG cabinet soon taking shape.