Al-Araji visits Erbil for talks on border security, Baghdad-Erbil ties, and PKK disarmament

ERBIL — Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji visited Erbil on Wednesday for a series of meetings with senior leaders of the Kurdistan Region, including President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani.

According to a statement from al-Araji’s office, the visit was made at the direction of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to “discuss a range of political and security files and unify positions that support the security and stability of Iraq and the region.”

During his meeting with KDP President Masoud Barzani, both sides discussed regional developments and emphasized continued cooperation in implementing the 2023 Iraq-Iran border security agreement. They also expressed a shared commitment to resolving ongoing issues between Baghdad and Erbil “in accordance with the constitution and in ways that strengthen political understanding.”

Signed on March 19, 2023, the security agreement between Iran and Iraq aims to prevent Iranian Kurdish opposition groups from operating within the Kurdistan Region. As part of its implementation, Iraq deployed forces to border areas, and the groups agreed to vacate positions near the Iran-Iraq frontier.

Al-Araji also met with President Nechirvan Barzani in Salahaddin, where they reviewed security cooperation between the Iraqi military, Peshmerga forces, and other security agencies. They also exchanged views on regional dynamics, including Turkey’s peace process with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK.

The meeting followed the PKK’s announcement of a major strategic shift, ending its decades-long armed struggle in favor of a new political path. In a video message released Wednesday, jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan described the move as “historic,” calling for democratic reform and political engagement. A formal disarmament ceremony is planned for July 11 in Sulaimani.

The presidency said both sides agreed on the need to shield Iraq from broader regional conflicts and to work jointly to preserve stability.

In a separate meeting with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, al-Araji discussed the importance of improving cooperation between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). According to a KRG statement, the two emphasized resolving outstanding financial and administrative disputes based on constitutional principles.

In all meetings, al-Araji and Kurdish officials reaffirmed a commitment to coordination and dialogue aimed at “preparing for a more stable and secure phase at all levels,” his office said.