President Barzani, US envoy call for dialogue to resolve Erbil-Baghdad disputes as employees await June salaries

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met Saturday with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Steven Fagin, to discuss ongoing issues between Erbil and Baghdad, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

The meeting addressed Iraq’s political situation, the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements and salaries, and bilateral relations with the United States. Both parties “highlighted the importance of enhancing US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, grounded in shared interests,” the statement said.

With September just days away, public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region have yet to receive their salaries for June. The region’s public sector remains in limbo amid ongoing delays tied to unresolved disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.

Statement from Kurdistan Region Presidency:

President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed Ambassador Steven Fagin, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Baghdad.

The discussion focused on the current situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, the salaries and financial rights of the Kurdistan Region, as well as US relations with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides highlighted the importance of enhancing US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, grounded in shared interests, and agreed on the need to address the issues between Erbil and Baghdad through dialogue and mutual understanding.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Fagin for his contributions to strengthening his country’s ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and commended his efforts to bridge the perspectives of Erbil and Baghdad.

The meeting also covered the latest regional developments and other matters of mutual concern, with the attendance of the President of Diwan, the Secretary of the Council of Ministers, and the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region.