Erbil: The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) affirmed the importance of continuing dialogue and understanding to resolve all political, administrative, and economic issues. A joint statement from the political bureaus of the two parties stated that “KDP President Masoud Barzani met with PUK President Bafel Talabani, in the presence of delegations from the two parties’ political bureaus, at the Pirmam Resort in Erbil Governorate. The meeting discussed the latest political, security, and administrative developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, as well as resolving outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government, particularly issues related to financial dues, salaries, and natural resource management.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the two sides emphasized “the importance of continuing dialogue and understanding to resolve all political, administrative, and economic issues.” They emphasized “the need to maintain unity and overcome common challenges, in a way that serves the interests of the citizens of the Kurdistan Region.” At the same time, they expressed “their concern about the complexity of the crises and their negative impact on the overall situation.”

The statement continued, “The meeting indicated that unity and coordination between the two parties is the best way to overcome current obstacles and achieve common goals.” The two sides also called for “activating cooperation with other political parties in Kurdistan and Iraq, in a way that enhances stability and guarantees the constitutional rights of the region.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides emphasized that “the unity of the Kurdistan Region is the primary guarantee for achieving the aspirations of the people of Kurdistan in the face of current challenges.”