The leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masoud Barzani, concluded his visit to the Iraqi capital, after holding a series of meetings with government officials and politicians, as well as ambassadors of several countries.
Sources said that the talks helped resolve several outstanding disagreements between Baghdad and Erbil.
Barzani’s visit ended a six-year freeze in ties with the federal government. The Kurdistan leader met with Prime Minister Mohammad Shiaa al-Sudani and commended his efforts to reach a breakthrough in the relations between the two sides.
During his meeting with representatives of the embassies of eight Arab countries, Barzani emphasized the need to take into account the interests of Iraq and the region with regard to the presence of the US-led international coalition forces in the country.
The ambassadors of Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the Chargé d'Affaires of the embassies of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE took part in the meeting.
According to an official statement, the Arab diplomats expressed hope that Barzani’s visit will send a message of stability to Iraq, stressing full support to Baghdad in order “to enhance the security, stability, and well-being of Iraqi citizens and address political differences in the country.”
Political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the outcome of the meetings held by Barzani in Baghdad turned the page of deep differences between the two sides. They added that comprehensive solutions hinge on “mutual commitments.”
Barzani’s most important meeting, according to observers, was with leaders of rival Sunni parties. The head of the Sunni Sovereignty Party, Khamis al-Khanjar, said that he met with Barzani in Baghdad in the presence of party leaders, most notably Mohammad al-Halbousi and Muthanna al-Samarrai.
Sources said that the Kurdistan leader urged the Sunni parties to resolve the dispute over the candidate for Parliament Speaker to ensure the holding of the election session.
Al-Khanjar described Barzani’s visit as “important,” saying it aims to strengthen relations between Baghdad and Erbil to resolve all outstanding issues, stressing that the Kurdistan region is a fundamental pillar in the political process.
