ERBIL - The United Nations has welcomed the political progress in the Kurdistan Region as a new government is imminent to be formed in Erbil.

The comments were made by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary- General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert during a visit with the Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, on Monday.

During their meeting, Barzani briefed Hennis-Plasschaert with the latest political developments in the region, including the underway efforts to elect the three top state positions, the one of a new President, Prime Minister, and Parliament Speaker.

He also shed light on the improved relations between the Kurdistan Region and central government and the ways to resolve the disputes through peaceful dialogue.

The two officials further exchanged views on the security in the disputed areas, both sides stressing on the normalization of the territories and the return of the IDPs and Syrian refugees to their places of origin.