Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, led a high-level delegation to Erbil on Sunday in an effort to resolve ongoing disputes between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). He was accompanied by Ziyad al-Janabi, Chairman of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, among other officials.

The delegation was received by Rebar Ahmed, KRG Minister of Interior, and Shakhawan Abdullah, Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, signaling the importance of the discussions.

According to sources close to Kurdistan24, the visit aims to strengthen dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil, particularly on unresolved issues such as budget allocations, oil and gas management, and administrative coordination. The talks are also expected to address preparations for Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections in November 2025, a key concern for both governments amid rising political tensions.

No public remarks were made upon the delegation's arrival, but insiders suggest the meetings will cover critical sticking points, including financial disputes and governance cooperation. The visit comes at a sensitive time, with Iraq facing mounting public demands for reform and heightened election-related pressures.

The discussions are seen as a crucial step in easing long-standing tensions between Baghdad and Erbil. Observers note that both sides are under pressure to show progress in intergovernmental relations, particularly as Iraq grapples with economic challenges and political instability.