Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani meets with British Ambassador

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, today met with British Ambassador to Iraq, Steven Hickey, to discuss regional political development and bilateral relations.

During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of fair and transparent elections in Iraq to maintain stability in the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the passing of the 2021 Federal Budget Law thanks to ongoing negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad marked an important step toward the resolution of outstanding disputes between the Regional and Federal Governments, and could serve as an example for future talks. He also urged the Federal Government of Iraq not to delay implementing the law, and affirmed the Kurdistan Region is committed to the content and texts of the law, adding that a delegation from Erbil would soon visit Baghdad.

The two officials highlighted the need to maintain political stability in the region, and the British Ambassador expressed his country’s support for the Kurdistan Region, noting that the international community would work with the Kurdistan Regional Government to improve the situation.

The Deputy Prime Minister also met with the General Consul of Armenia in Erbil, Arshak Manukian, to discuss developing bilateral relations, especially in the fields of information technology, youth empowerment and vocational education.