Erbil, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received a delegation from Britain's All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Kurdistan Region on Sunday, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and resolving ongoing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.

The visiting delegation, led by APPG Chair and British MP John Slinger, briefed Barzani on the group's cross-party efforts to support the Kurdistan Region within the UK Parliament. The APPG comprises lawmakers from multiple British political parties working to deepen UK-Kurdistan cooperation.

"Prime Minister Barzani expressed his appreciation for the UK's consistent support of Kurdish rights and the APPG's role in advancing the Kurdistan Region's interests in London," read a statement from the KRG.

The meeting also addressed critical issues between Erbil and Baghdad, including:

Constitutional rights for the Kurdistan Region

Resolution of financial entitlements owed by the federal government
Resumption of Kurdistan's oil exports, currently suspended due to disputes with Baghdad

The discussions come amid ongoing tensions between the KRG and Iraq's central government over budget allocations and oil revenue sharing. The UK has historically played a mediating role in Iraq, with the APPG serving as an important advocacy channel for Kurdish interests.

"The dialogue reaffirmed both sides' commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the Kurdistan Region and United Kingdom," the KRG statement added.

The APPG visit follows recent diplomatic efforts by Western nations to ease Erbil-Baghdad tensions, particularly regarding the KRG's oil exports which were halted in March 2023 following an International Chamber of Commerce ruling.