Barzani and U.S. Delegation Agree on Urgent Need to Form New KRG Cabinet Before Iraqi Elections

Peregraf

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met on Monday with a U.S. delegation led by Victoria Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and key political priorities — most notably, the formation of a new cabinet for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

In an official statement, Barzani said that both sides agreed on the urgent need to form the new KRG government before Iraq’s national parliamentary elections, scheduled for later this year, underlining a shared commitment to political stability and effective governance in the region.

The meeting coincides with ongoing talks between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), as a high-level negotiating delegation from both parties met to accelerate the government formation process. In a joint statement, the KDP and PUK described the discussions as constructive, noting that “positive steps and good progress” had been made, with further meetings planned.

The talks come at a crucial time, as the Iraqi Council of Ministers has set November 11 as the date for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The Independent High Electoral Commission has confirmed its readiness to conduct the vote on schedule and has already opened registration for political parties, coalitions, and independent candidates. The registration window will remain open for 20 days until May.

During the meeting with the U.S. delegation, Barzani and Taylor also discussed the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, stressing that continued delays are inflicting serious losses on both regional revenues and the federal budget. “This matter cannot tolerate further postponement,” Barzani stated.

The two sides also reaffirmed the importance of protecting Kurdistan’s constitutional status and ensuring its financial rights within the Iraqi federal system — a key issue amid ongoing tensions between Erbil and Baghdad.