Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani met with British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq on Wednesday to discuss regional developments, including the Iran-Israel ceasefire, and Kurdistan’s ongoing salary crisis with Baghdad. Both officials emphasized diplomatic solutions and constitutional frameworks for resolving disputes.
Regional Security and Iran-Israel Ceasefire
Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani received British Ambassador to Iraq Irfan Siddiq in a high-level diplomatic meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The session was attended by key diplomatic figures including Andrew Bizley, British Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, and Daban Shadala, Deputy Director of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Foreign Relations Office.
A significant portion of discussions centered on recent regional developments, particularly the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. Both parties expressed cautious optimism about the potential for enhanced regional stability following the announced ceasefire. They emphasized the critical importance of resolving all regional disputes and conflicts through political dialogue rather than military confrontation.
The diplomatic representatives agreed on the necessity of increased international community cooperation to maintain security and stability throughout the Middle East. This collaborative approach reflects the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to engaging with broader regional security concerns while maintaining its strategic partnerships with international allies.
Both officials acknowledged that regional stability directly impacts the Kurdistan Region’s development prospects and security environment. The discussion highlighted the interconnected nature of Middle Eastern conflicts and the importance of diplomatic solutions in preventing escalation and promoting lasting peace.
Federal Relations and Salary Crisis Resolution
The meeting addressed the complex relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government in Baghdad, with particular focus on the ongoing salary crisis affecting Kurdistan Region civil servants. Deputy Prime Minister Talabani emphasized the humanitarian dimension of the issue, stating that “employee salaries and citizens’ livelihoods should not become entangled in disagreements between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad.”
Talabani announced that a federal government delegation is scheduled to visit the Kurdistan Region in the coming days, expressing hope that this engagement will lead to a resolution of the salary dispute. He stressed that the welfare of civil servants and their families must remain separate from political disagreements between different levels of government.
The Deputy Prime Minister articulated a vision of cooperative development, emphasizing that “the Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq can develop together, noting that the development of any part of Iraq serves the interests of all Iraqis.” This statement reflects the regional government’s commitment to Iraq’s federal structure while advocating for regional autonomy and development.
Talabani clarified that the Kurdistan Region’s strength and prosperity depend on maintaining a robust position within Iraq’s federal system. He stressed the importance of resolving disputes with Baghdad “within the constitutional framework,” emphasizing legal and constitutional approaches rather than confrontational politics.
The meeting underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to balance international partnerships with domestic federal challenges, highlighting the Kurdistan Region’s dual role as both a regional entity within Iraq and an active participant in international diplomatic relations.
