Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), conducted an extensive diplomatic visit to Baghdad on October 12, 2025, holding strategic meetings with Iraq’s top political and judicial leaders. The discussions centered on implementing oil agreements, expediting salary transfers to the Kurdistan Region, ensuring electoral transparency ahead of the November 11 parliamentary elections, and strengthening institutional cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad.
Meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani
Bafel Talabani met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to address critical national and regional matters. The meeting included PUK Politburo member Nizar Amedi and Iraq’s Minister of Justice Dr. Khalid Shwani.
According to the PUK President’s press office, the leaders reviewed recent developments across Iraq and the wider region. Implementation of the oil agreement between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government took center stage, with both sides emphasizing the removal of all obstacles preventing the deal’s execution.
Talabani pressed Al-Sudani to accelerate mechanisms for transferring remaining salaries to Kurdistan Region public sector employees, stressing the need “to synchronize the timing of salary disbursements between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.” Iraq has disbursed seven months of salaries, leaving five months outstanding.
The leaders addressed the upcoming Council of Representatives elections, underscoring the imperative of conducting “clean and transparent elections” while reaffirming their dedication to democratic processes.
Talabani expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Al-Sudani for renaming Sulaymaniyah International Airport to Jalal Talabani International Airport, honoring the late Kurdish leader’s legacy.
Discussion also covered the welfare of martyrs’ families in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Talabani acknowledged that Al-Sudani, being “the son of a martyr” himself, “has shown special attention to the families of martyrs, which is truly commendable.”
Meeting with Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan
Talabani met with Faiq Zaidan, head of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, accompanied by Nizar Amedi and Dr. Khalid Shwani. The discussions concentrated on “issues related to judicial affairs and the independence of the courts.”
A major focus was “the supremacy of the law and how it is implemented across all state institutions,” emphasizing legal consistency and institutional accountability.
The leaders “thoroughly discussed the legal mechanisms” governing Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, demonstrating shared commitment to transparent and lawful electoral procedures.
Meeting with State of Law Coalition Leader Nouri al-Maliki
Talabani held high-level discussions with Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, addressing pressing political developments in Iraq and the broader region.
The leaders engaged in comprehensive dialogue on the evolving political landscape, highlighting the necessity for reform and cross-party cooperation.
Creating conditions for free and fair elections emerged as a central theme. Both emphasized national responsibility and urged all political actors to pursue their objectives within a framework of public service and democratic integrity.
The oil agreement between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government received attention, with Talabani and Maliki reaffirming their commitment to honoring the agreement’s terms, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring salary payments free from political interference.
Meeting with First Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi
Talabani met with Mohsen al-Mandalawi, first deputy speaker of the Iraqi parliament, to discuss latest developments at nationwide and regional levels.
Both parties stressed the importance of uniting efforts and maintaining comprehensive cooperation ahead of the November 11 Iraqi parliamentary election.
Talabani and al-Mandalawi called for fair and clean elections that would advance the democratic process and better serve the people. Nizar Amedi and Iraqi Justice Minister Khalid Shwani attended the meeting.
The discussion formed part of a series of meetings with Iraqi leaders aimed at resolving issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government, including salary disbursements and overseeing implementation of recent oil agreements.
Following a landmark agreement signed on September 25 between the KRG, the Iraqi government, and oil companies, oil shipments from the Kurdistan Region resumed on September 27—a development welcomed by Kurdish leaders, Iraqi parties, and international stakeholders.
Meeting with Taqadum Party Leader Mohamed al-Halbousi
During his extended Baghdad visit, Talabani met with Mohamed al-Halbousi, leader of the Taqadum Party. The meeting included Nizar Amedi and Dr. Khalid Shwani.
Discussions focused on enhancing coordination and cooperation between both parties. They reaffirmed their commitment to building stronger relations aimed at collaborative governance and improved service delivery for citizens.
The upcoming elections dominated conversation, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of conducting clean and fair elections that genuinely reflect the will of all Iraqi citizens and political entities.
Regarding ongoing Erbil-Baghdad issues, perspectives were exchanged. Talabani reiterated the PUK’s position, stating, “The PUK remains committed to national principles and prioritizes the interests of our people in Baghdad. We will continue our efforts to secure their salaries and ensure their well-being.”
