Iraqi Finance Minister discusses financial cooperation with Kurdistan in key meeting
Shafaq News/On Sunday, Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami stated that a joint meeting betweenthe Federal Government's Economic Ministerial Council and the KurdistanRegion's Economic Council focused on resolving shared financial issues betweenthe two sides.
According toa statement from the ministry, "the bilateral discussions held in Erbiland attended by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani aimed toenhance financial cooperation and find sustainable solutions to longstandingfinancial disputes."
"Thetalks are part of broader governmental efforts to strengthen collaborationbetween the federal government and the Kurdistan Region."
Thestatement stressed that Key financial issues, including the salaries ofregional employees, the Kurdistan Region's budget, border crossings, andcoordination of customs and tax policies, are "central to stabilizingIraq's economy."
MinisterSami described the negotiations as a "historic opportunity" toachieve financial reconciliation between Baghdad and Erbil, stressing theimportance of reaching sustainable solutions to their financial disagreements.
She alsonoted that an equitable mechanism for distributing oil revenues and managingborder crossings would help foster trust and economic stability across thecountry.
Earlier, thetwo economic councils said in a joint statement that the talks aimed at resolvingoutstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil, focusing on constitutionalrights.
The meeting,hosted in the Kurdistan capital, was attended by KRG Prime Minister, IraqiDeputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Fuad Hussein, KRG Deputy Prime MinisterQubad Talabani, and other senior officials.
"Solvingthese issues is possible if the will and desire exist," Barzani said,welcoming the federal delegation. He emphasized that the constitution andprevious agreements should form the basis of any resolution.
"Thefederal government must treat all regions of Iraq fairly," Barzani added."As it defends the rights of citizens in Basra and Baghdad, it mustequally defend the rights of those in the Kurdistan Region."
FuadHussein, representing Baghdad, also called for a constitutional approach,saying, "This visit is intended to resolve the remaining issues."
Followingthe initial discussions, committees from both sides held separate talks in apositive atmosphere, according to the statement. The meetings are expected tocontinue for two days.
