Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Under the auspices of President Masoud Barzani, senior delegations from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) convened on Monday in Pirmam to resume negotiations on critical issues, including the ongoing salary crisis, Kurdish unity in Baghdad, oil exports, and the formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet.

The PUK delegation was led by party leader Bafel Talabani and included prominent politburo members such as KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Rafaat Abdullah, Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, and Nizar Amedy. The KDP’s delegation was headed by party deputy leader Nechirvan Barzani and included KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, KDP Executive Board Head Fazil Mirani, as well as senior members Sidad Barzani, Hoshyar Zebari, and Mahmoud Mohammed.

According to party officials, the meeting focused on enhancing coordination between the two dominant Kurdish parties to address pressing challenges. Key discussions revolved around resolving the delayed salary payments for KRG civil servants, presenting a unified Kurdish stance in negotiations with the Iraqi federal government, and finalizing arrangements for the formation of the next KRG cabinet.

The salary crisis, which has left thousands of government employees unpaid for months, remains a critical issue, with both parties seeking sustainable solutions in collaboration with Baghdad. Additionally, the meeting emphasized the need for Kurdish political unity in discussions over oil exports and budget disputes with the federal government.

The formation of the next KRG cabinet was also a major topic, as political factions work to overcome lingering disagreements over power-sharing and ministerial positions. Observers view the Pirmam meeting as a crucial step toward stabilizing the region’s political and economic landscape.

No official statements were released following the closed-door discussions, but sources indicate further talks are expected in the coming days to finalize agreements. The outcomes of these negotiations could significantly impact the KRG’s ability to address its financial challenges and maintain cohesion in its dealings with Baghdad.