Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani Cooperation Framework Between Erbil and Baghdad “Vital”:

Kurdistan Region sees a framework to organize closer cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad as a vital step towards addressing disputes, said Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

The remarks were made during a meeting between a high-level delegation from Baghdad and top Kurdish officials in Erbil on Sunday.

The meeting was attended by PM Barzani and Kurdistan Region Security Council Chancellor Masrour Barzani, who is nominated to lead the next government as the prime minister.

Chancellor Barzani has been successful in his tenure as security chief of Kurdistan during years long of war against the Islamic State. He is expected to make remarkable progress in relations between Erbil, Baghdad, and outside world once taking office as the prime minister. 

The Iraqi delegation is in Erbil to discuss the remaining disputes with Kurdish counterparts, including differences related to customs, quality control and budget.

Barzani welcomed the initiative and said holding such a meeting is a prove to the will which seeks a solution through dialogue and peaceful means.

“All the issues between Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi federal government should be addressed through negotiations and based on the Iraqi Constitution,” Barzani pointed out.

“It is important to set a framework for cooperations between Erbil and Baghdad. We understand that they’re in the implementation process[of the decisions], but it remains our responsibility to work together and overcome obstacles.”

Barzani noted that Erbil will also work to address the disputes pertaining to oil and the disputed areas which are the base of a genuine federal system.