Abadi and Barzani urge political unity across all parties in Iraq

Rudaw

 

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited Erbil Tuesday afternoon where he met with Kurdish President Masoud Barzani to discuss strengthening ties between the two governments.

The two leaders emphasized the need for a united political voice across all parties in Iraq in the face of challenges confronting the country, according to a statement issued by Abadi’s office.

Barzani and Abadi also discussed progress against ISIS in Mosul and "strengthening ties between the Region and the central government."

The statement also added that in the meeting, the questions of refugees and cooperation between the Iraqi armed forces and the Peshmerga were addressed.

Following his meetings in Erbil, Abadi left for Sulaimani where he has visited Jalal Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).


Left to right: Kurdish Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, PUK Deputy Barham Salah, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, PUK Deputy Kosrat Rasul Ali. Photo: Bafel Jalal Talabani/Facebook

Earlier on Tuesday, Abadi visited Mosul, including the airport, where he met with Iraqi military commanders to discuss the ongoing offensive to oust ISIS from the western half of the city. 



Watch: Barzani greets Abadi in Erbil

 


 

Watch: Abadi arrives at the home of Jalal Talabani in Sulaimani