On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, a Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation met with relevant federal ministries in Baghdad, to discuss how KR (Kurdistan Region) constitutional and financial rights and entitlements can be upheld in the development of the 2027 Federal Budget Bill.

 Federal Minister of Finance Meeting:

 The delegation first met with Faleh Sari, Federal Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Planning.

The delegation welcomed KRG participation in the preparation of the federal budget (at the Federal Ministry of Finance), holding that this was an important and positive step that gave KR representatives the opportunity to outline their position on the bill and put forward their own proposals.

The delegation stressed the importance of upholding the (Iraqi) Constitution and relevant laws, holding this is essential to ensure the KR receives its “fair share” and financial entitlements,

Minister Sari welcomed KRG participation and underlined the importance of continued dialogue and co-ordination. He confirmed the Federal Ministry of Finance will, in acting in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws, take KR financial rights and entitlements into account and give them fair consideration.

 Federal Ministry of Planning Meeting: 

The delegation then met with Mahir Hamad Johan, Deputy Minister of the Federal Ministry of Planning.

It proposed the KR share of investment project allocations should reflect the KR share of the latest general population census, and also called for allocations to be made in support of (regional and governorate) development projects and petrodollar funds.

In calling for the KR share of international aid, grants and loans to be secured, the delegation proposed that, by virtue of the KR being proportionately responsible for repaying loans (and interest), it should receive a corresponding share of allocations and benefits.

Federal Ministry representatives welcomed these proposed and said they were willing to take them into account during budget bill preparation. Both “sides” also committed to continue (technical and legal) co-ordination.

Federal Ministry of Oil Meeting:

The delegation then met with Bassim Mohammed Khudair, Federal Minister of Oil.

The meeting focused on the Federal Budget Bill’s oil-related provisions, including the estimated volume of oil (including from KR oil fields) for export, the estimated price per barrel for fiscal year 2027, and the volume allocated for domestic consumption.

The delegation said KR oil produced for export should be handed to SOMO (State Oil Marketing Organisation) and sold on international markets, with the revenues then transferred to the federal treasury.

Minister Khudair welcomed these and other proposals and stressed the importance of continued co-ordination and joint work that will promote continuity (of oil production and exports) and balanced and practical oil sector provisions (in the 2027 federal budget). 

In all meetings, the delegation reiterated and reaffirmed the KR’s commitment to fulfilling constitutional and legal obligations, while making it clear the federal government is responsible for upholding constitutional and financial rights and entitlements, with a view to ensuring the KR receives its “fair share”. It placed particular emphasis on KR public sector employee salaries and financial entitlements, insisting that public sector employees should be treated fairly and equitably (on the same terms as counterparts in the rest of the country).