As part of his series of meetings in Baghdad, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, met on Monday evening, May 4, 2026, with Ali Falih al-Zaidi, the Prime Minister-designate of the Federal Government of Iraq. According to a statement, President Barzani renewed his congratulations to al-Zaidi on his designation, wishing him success and expressing the Kurdistan Region’s full readiness and support to ensure the successful formation and progress of the new ministerial cabinet.
The statement noted that al-Zaidi expressed his thanks and appreciation for President Barzani’s positive stances and support. Both parties emphasized the importance of expediting the formation of a competent national government that serves as an inclusive umbrella for all components, capable of addressing challenges and meeting the aspirations and demands of citizens.
The two sides stressed joint action to consolidate political and security stability and to find radical solutions to Iraq’s general problems, particularly the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad, in a manner that ensures the protection of the constitutional rights and entitlements of all parties. The statement added that they agreed that the current stage necessitates high-level coordination and joint work among all political forces and parties.
In a related context, the President of the Kurdistan Region met the same evening with Muthanna al-Samarrai, head of the Azm Alliance. They discussed the political process in Iraq and the steps toward forming the new government, emphasizing the importance of adhering to constitutional timelines following the Prime Minister-designate’s appointment. The statement noted their agreement on the need to strengthen coordination and understanding between Baghdad and Erbil, highlighting the Kurdistan Region’s active role in Baghdad as a fundamental pillar for resolving pending issues. They also discussed balanced relations between political parties and the importance of cooperation to protect stability and the country’s supreme interests.
President Barzani also met with Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), congratulating him on the success of the movement’s conference and his re-election as its leader. Al-Hakim expressed his gratitude for the gesture.
According to the statement, the two sides discussed the political situation in Iraq and efforts to bolster stability. They emphasized that national dialogue and understanding among political forces are the keys to resolving all problems, ensuring the preservation of national unity and harmony among components.
The parties stressed that the next government must be based on true partnership and prioritize the provision of services and the improvement of citizens’ living standards. Al-Hakim expressed his appreciation for President Barzani’s balanced and national role in bringing parties together and finding solutions. The statement added that regional conditions and the importance of shielding Iraq from the repercussions of regional tensions were also central to the meeting.
In another meeting, the President of the Kurdistan Region met with leaders of the National Political Council. They discussed the country’s political situation and the necessity of unifying efforts to consolidate stability, reiterating that national dialogue is the key to solving all issues. The statement explained that the two sides agreed the next government should be formed on the basis of genuine partnership and balance between components, with reconstruction and service delivery as top priorities. Council leaders expressed their appreciation for President Barzani’s balanced role in defending constitutional rights and bridging gaps between parties.
Furthermore, Barzani met with Haibat al-Halbousi, Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament. They discussed the political and legal situation in the country and the role of the legislative branch in supporting stability. The statement highlighted their emphasis on understanding between political forces and coordination between Erbil and Baghdad to overcome obstacles in the public interest. They agreed that the upcoming phase must be based on real partnership and work toward legislating laws of a national dimension that safeguard the constitutional rights of all components.
At the start of his second day in Baghdad, President Barzani met on Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026, with Christian representatives in the Iraqi Parliament. They discussed the conditions of Christians and the political representation of minority components. According to the statement, Barzani affirmed that Christians are an indigenous component of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, praising their historical and civilized role. He stressed the necessity of their participation in the next federal cabinet with a ministerial portfolio.
The statement noted Barzani’s emphasis on fostering a culture of coexistence, tolerance, and acceptance of the “other” as a fundamental pillar of stability. Both sides agreed on continuing efforts to consolidate partnership and equality to guarantee the rights of all components. President Barzani renewed the Kurdistan Region’s full support for protecting the rights of Christians and ensuring a dignified life for them, while the Christian MPs expressed their appreciation for his positions in defending minority rights and safeguarding pluralism and harmony in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
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