Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, visited Kirkuk Governorate, where he was welcomed by Governor Rebwar Taha, Provincial Council Chairman Mohammed al-Hafidh, and Council members. During discussions, he emphasized improving public services and fostering unity. In a press conference, he urged political parties to engage in Kirkuk’s governance. Talabani also held meetings with Turkish and Dutch consuls, addressing Kurdistan-Baghdad relations, government formation, and financial challenges.
Qubad Talabani Visits Kirkuk, Calls for Unity
Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Qubad Talabani, arrived in Kirkuk Governorate, where he was received by Kirkuk’s Governor Rebwar Taha, Chairman of the Provincial Council Mohammed al-Hafidh, and members of the Council.
During his visit, Talabani met with Kirkuk officials to discuss the current situation and strategies for enhancing public services. Addressing a press conference, he expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and his satisfaction with the cooperative spirit among the city’s officials.
“I am delighted to be visiting Kirkuk today, and I extend my gratitude to the officials for their warm welcome,” Talabani stated. He emphasized that Kirkuk’s citizens require efficient services and governance rather than political disputes.
Talabani praised the sense of unity and collaboration in Kirkuk and reaffirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)’s support for the local administration, the Provincial Council, and all residents of the governorate.
Furthermore, he urged the political parties currently boycotting the Kirkuk Provincial Council sessions to actively participate, contribute their perspectives, and fulfill their responsibilities in monitoring governance.
Meeting with Turkish Consul General
Earlier, Qubad Talabani met with Arman Topcu, the Turkish Consul General, in Erbil to discuss a range of regional matters.
Their discussions focused on recent political and security developments in the Kurdistan Region, with Talabani highlighting the necessity of responsible actions from all involved parties.
Talabani also addressed the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), noting that ongoing negotiations between the PUK and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) had reached the technical stage. He expressed optimism that a final agreement would soon be reached, allowing the establishment of a government that meets citizens’ expectations.
In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister discussed Kurdistan’s relationship with Baghdad, highlighting significant progress in resolving financial disputes. He noted that steps had been taken toward long-term solutions and that the recent amendment to the federal budget law had created a foundation for further negotiations between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi government.
Talks with the Dutch Consul General
Qubad Talabani also met with Adriaan IJsselstein, the Dutch Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, to discuss the relations between the KRG and the federal government.
During their meeting, Talabani reiterated that the amendment of the federal budget law has established a solid basis for addressing outstanding financial issues, particularly concerning the budget and public salaries.
He assured that the KRG remains committed to securing financial entitlements for Kurdistan Region citizens and improving their economic well-being. “We will spare no effort in ensuring financial entitlements for citizens in the Kurdistan Region and improving their living standards,” Talabani affirmed.
Strengthening Political and Economic Stability
Through these meetings and visits, Qubad Talabani underscored his commitment to enhancing governance, fostering political stability, and securing financial rights for the people of the Kurdistan Region.
His engagement in Kirkuk emphasized unity and service delivery, while his discussions with Turkish and Dutch diplomats reflected his broader efforts to strengthen Kurdistan’s external relations, address financial disputes with Baghdad, and expedite government formation.
Talabani’s recent activities indicate a strategic push toward stability, improved governance, and enhanced cooperation between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and international partners.
