Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Regional Government Council of Ministers held its 43rd regular session on Monday, discussing recent meetings between the leaders of the Kurdistan Region, and Iraqi and Iranian officials in Baghdad and Tehran. 

In a statement, the Council of Ministers welcomed the meeting between Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi as “a positive step and a new start” in resolving the outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.  The Council also expressed its concern over the loss of civilian life in Afrin City in Syria and called on all parties involved to avoid violence and resolve their disputes peacefully.

In a press conference after the meeting, Prime Minister Barzani briefed the media on his visit to the Iraqi capital, saying it is a good step to start dialogue between his government and the Iraqi Government to reach an agreement on outstanding issues.

Prime Minister Barzani also highlighted his meetings in Tehran with Iranian leaders. Stressing the historical relations between the people of the Kurdistan Region and Iran, Prime Minister Barzani said further strengthening of these relations, especially economic ties, were discussed.

Prime Minister Barzani on Sunday met the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, the Speaker of Iranian Parliament, Ali Larijani, and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani.

Iranian officials voiced their support to resolving the disputes between the Kurdistan Region and Iraqi authorities through dialogue and on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Chief of Staff to the Kurdistan Region Presidency Fuad Hussien, and Spokesperson of the Kurdistan Regional Government Safeen Dizayee, accompanied Prime Minister Barzani in his visit to Baghdad and Tehran.