Erbil, Kurdistan Region — President Masoud Barzani on Thursday welcomed Mohamed al-Hassan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, along with a high-level delegation, at his residence in Erbil’s Pirmam district, according to a statement from Barzani's headquarters.

The discussions focused on the ongoing dialogue among political parties in the Kurdistan Region to form a new cabinet. Both sides emphasized the urgency of establishing a cabinet amid the region’s sensitive political climate, stressing its critical importance to stability and governance.

The meeting also addressed key regional developments, particularly in Syria. President Barzani and the UN envoy shared concerns about the resurgence of terrorism and extremist ideologies in the region, highlighting the risk of terrorist infiltration into Syria and its potential spillover effects on Iraq and neighboring countries.

The importance of security cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government of Iraq was a prominent topic, with both sides agreeing on the need for unified efforts to address security challenges.

Expressing hope for peace and stability in Syria, the officials underlined that the resolution of ongoing issues and regional changes should be achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding, prioritizing the well-being of the Syrian people.

The meeting reflects continued collaboration between the Kurdistan Region and international partners to address pressing political and security issues in Iraq and the wider region.