President Barzani to visit Baghdad next week

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani is scheduled to visit Baghdad next week to attend a meeting of the ruling State Administration Coalition and hold discussions with political parties, Barzani’s spokesperson said on Thursday. Rudaw has learned that he will arrive at the federal capital on Sunday. 

Dilshad Shahad told Rudaw that President Barzani will attend a meeting of the State Administration Coalition, which regularly convenes to discuss the latest developments in both the country and the region.

The coalition is made up of political parties that have supported the current Iraqi cabinet, including the ruling political parties of the Kurdistan Region.

“Nechirvan Barzani is set to hold meetings with various political parties,” Shahab added. 

An informed source told Rudaw on the condition of anonymity that the meeting will be held on Sunday.

The meeting takes place at a time when the ongoing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad over the Kurdish region's share in the federal budget remain unresolved.

Baghdad has not yet paid the December salaries of Kurdistan Region’s civil servants, and it remains unclear whether the payment will be made.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani are also expected to take part in the top meeting.