ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), was given a warm reception in Baghdad by top Iraqi officials and political leaders on Wednesday. The visit, first in nearly six years, is expected to further bolster Erbil-Baghdad relations after years of thorny ties.
Barzani was received by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and several other figures at the Baghdad airport on Wednesday.
The Kurdish leader’s first meeting was with the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.
“During the meeting, a range of national issues were discussed, including the progress of the government's service, economic, and reform programs, and ways to advance the institutional development of the state according to the constitution and law,” read a statement from Sudani’s office.
“The discussions also focused on organizing administrative and executive matters between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government across various fields and files, ensuring services reach citizens throughout Iraq. Additionally, regional developments and their implications for regional security and stability were addressed,” it added.
Barzani told Sudani that the purpose of his visit to the Iraqi capital is to “celebrate the steps taken under the leadership of the Prime Minister that have led to real progress between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government,” according to a readout from Barzani’s office.
Under Sudani’s cabinet, numerous strides have been taken in relation to Erbil and Baghdad ties which had experienced ups and downs since the Kurdish government began independently exporting its oil more than a decade ago.
Baghdad-Erbil tensions reached its climax when the Kurdistan Region held an independence referendum in 2017. Barzani last visited Baghdad in November 2018.
Kurdish officials have commended Sudani for his role in bringing both governments closer.
During his meeting with Sudani, the KDP leader thanked the Iraqi premier as well as Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for their “efforts” in removing many obstacles before the bilateral relations.
The Kurdish president and prime minister have made numerous visits to Baghdad to resolve pressing issues between the federal and regional governments.
“We will continue to coordinate and cooperate, and we assure you that as long as there are good intentions, no problem will be an obstacle to resolve… Thank God, there is such good intention and my brother, Prime Minister Sudan, is running the country with this good intention,” Barzani told Sudani on Wednesday, according to the readout from the KDP leader’s office.
Sudani hosted a luncheon in honor of Barzani’s visit, attended by most key Iraqi political figures, including leaders of the ruling parties.
Barzani also visited Faiq Zidan, president of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, in Baghdad.
“During the meeting, views were exchanged on the political situation in Iraq, relations between the parties, and the latest regional developments,” read a statement from Barzani’s office.
Zidan labeled Barzani’s visit as “important and historic.”
Leaders from the Kurdistan Region expressed their support for Zidan after an American lawmaker wanted to label him a "tool of Iranian influence.”
“We affirm our support for and solidarity with Judge Faiq Zidan, president of the Supreme Judicial Council. We highly appreciate his significant efforts and dedicated service to the judiciary and the nation,” President Nechirvan Barzani said on X.
‘Carnival’
Abu Mithaq al-Masari, a member of the Badr Organization, told Rudaw on Wednesday that Baghdad is having a “carnival” to celebrate Barzani’s rare visit.
"It is very clear that Baghdad today is in a big carnival and celebrating this dear and great guest, as several years have passed since the last visit of Leader Barzani to Baghdad, and his visit today comes amid an ideal and friendly atmosphere for the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil,” he told Rudaw.
"The ideal atmosphere that the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil has reached is completely unprecedented, and for the first time it has reached a high level of understanding. Therefore, this visit enjoys a specific style of reception that rises to the level of celebration and a great carnival for this dear guest,” added the member of the Badr Organization, which is a political party led by Hadi al-Amiri. They have a strong representation in the federal cabinet.
"The ideal atmosphere that the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil has reached is completely unprecedented, and for the first time it has reached a high level of understanding. Therefore, this visit enjoys a specific style of reception that rises to the level of celebration and a great carnival for this dear guest,” noted Masari.
Haider al-Lami, a member of the State of Law Coalition, the strongest political party in Iraq, told Rudaw that dossiers related to the country’s internal and external affairs will be discussed during Barzani’s meetings in Baghdad.
“Baghdad became more beautiful and more powerful after receiving Masoud Barzani, the great Iraqi figure who has an impact on Iraqi society, whether politically or socially,” he said. “Today is a big day enjoyed by all politicians in Iraq.”
Lami noted that Iraq has seen numerous changes since Barzani’s last visit to Baghdad, adding that new influential figures have emerged.
The Coordination Framework meeting is underway in Baghdad, with the participation of Masoud Barzani, president of the KDP, for the first time.
— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) July 3, 2024
📸: Halkawt Aziz/Rudaw pic.twitter.com/xT4NAWPbfM
