Iraqi PM Sudani Visits Erbil in Push to Resolve Key Disputes with Kurdistan Region
Erbil, Kurdistan Region – In a high-profile visit aimed at easing long-standing tensions, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani arrived in Erbil on Saturday for critical talks with Kurdish leaders. He was received by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at Erbil International Airport, signaling a renewed effort to address political and financial disputes between Baghdad and the semi-autonomous region.
The trip, widely seen as a pivotal moment in federal-regional relations, comes amid ongoing negotiations over oil exports, budget allocations, and unpaid public sector salaries in the Kurdistan Region.
Constitutional Path Forward
Peshawa Hawramani, spokesperson for the KRG, told Kurdistan24 that Sudani’s visit presents an "important opportunity to advance a constitutional path forward." He stressed that the Kurdistan Region insists on adherence to Iraq’s constitution as the only viable framework for resolving disputes.
“The recent rounds of dialogue between the two sides have been constructive,” Hawramani said. “We believe dialogue and negotiations are the only way to find joint solutions.”
He reiterated that the Kurdistan Region sees itself as a stabilizing force in Iraq but emphasized that meaningful progress depends on Baghdad’s political will to honor constitutional commitments.
مەسرور بارزانی، سەرۆکی حکومەتی هەرێمی کوردستان و محەمەد شیاع سوودانی، سەرۆکوەزیرانی عێراق لە هەولێر کۆ بوونەوە و چەندین پرسیان تاووتوێ کرد. pic.twitter.com/ZlL8B383H2
— KRG Dept. of Media & Information (@DMI_KRG) April 12, 2025
Federal Government’s Commitment to Dialogue
Bassem al-Awadi, spokesperson for Iraq’s federal government, described Sudani’s trip as part of a "framework of dialogue and constructive engagement" to resolve critical issues.
“The federal government is committed to consensus-building with all political actors,” al-Awadi said, adding that Sudani’s approach prioritizes political inclusion and equitable power-sharing.
Key Issues on the Agenda
During his visit—his fourth since taking office in October 2022—Sudani is expected to hold closed-door meetings with KRG President Masoud Barzani and PM Masrour Barzani. Discussions will focus on:
Unpaid public sector salaries in the Kurdistan Region, with both sides agreeing on the urgency of depoliticizing wage payments.
Resuming oil exports through the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline, a major point of contention since exports were halted in March 2023.
Budget entitlements and financial disputes, including the KRG’s share of federal funds.
Disputed territories and mechanisms for future coordination.
A Step Toward Institutionalized Relations
Regional observers view Sudani’s visit as a positive step toward institutionalizing ties between Baghdad and Erbil based on mutual respect and constitutional principles. While challenges remain—particularly on oil revenue sharing and security coordination—the talks have raised cautious optimism.
The Kurdish leadership has made clear that any lasting agreement must recognize the Kurdistan Region’s federal status under Iraq’s constitution. Whether this round of negotiations leads to concrete policy changes remains uncertain, but the renewed dialogue has been welcomed across Iraq’s political spectrum.
Sudani’s last visit to Erbil in November 2024 helped establish a more structured engagement channel between the two governments. This latest meeting reinforces efforts to ease tensions and foster long-term cooperation.
As discussions continue, both sides face mounting pressure to deliver tangible solutions for citizens affected by years of political and financial deadlock.
