MERI 2025: Qubad Talabani Stresses Strengthening Kurdistan’s Role in Baghdad

Official X acount of MERI Forum

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister.

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, highlighted that relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government are currently characterised by effective coordination and mutual agreement. He stressed the importance of working together, noting that these relations must return to the principles of the Constitution, institutional governance, and formal intergovernmental relations, moving away from the instability of the past.

Speaking at a panel during the MERI Forum in Erbil, Qubad Talabani stated: “We have reached a comprehensive agreement and have received encouraging news that salaries will soon be paid. Relations at this stage are therefore positive. It is essential to understand in the Kurdistan Region that our strategic depth lies in the capital, Baghdad. The PUK recognises this and is committed to strengthening its presence there. Matters concerning the Kurdistan Region must be addressed in Baghdad, not in Sulaymaniyah or Erbil.”

He emphasised that federal institutions must acknowledge that Iraq is a federal state and that the Kurdistan Region is a constitutional entity with clearly defined rights and responsibilities. Many laws required to address gaps in the Constitution have yet to be enacted by the Iraqi parliament.

Qubad Talabani continued: “The PUK’s message underscores the need to reinforce the Kurds’ position in Baghdad. We have reached an agreement on oil exports from the Kurdistan Region. Iraq relies heavily on oil as a primary source of revenue, yet an oil law to regulate this vital sector has still not been passed. Baghdad must enact an oil and gas law to resolve longstanding issues.”

He added that it is crucial to end the monthly uncertainty faced by employees in the Kurdistan Region. “We must overcome these challenges and return to the cooperative spirit of the late President Mam Jalal, ensuring agreement and collaboration to build Iraq and develop its potential. Our strength lies in Baghdad, and constitutional provisions must not be applied according to personal discretion,” he explained.

“Within the Kurdistan Region, we have established governmental institutions and a parliament empowered to make decisions. Federal ministers must not exceed the authority of the Kurdistan Region or act in conflict with its laws. Competent and specialised representatives must therefore be sent to Baghdad,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for greater decentralisation of powers within the Kurdistan Region. “We are granting governors and district leaders the authority to select projects, as they understand the needs of their communities best. We are working to extend their powers further.”

Concluding, he stated: “The PUK is the party of Mam Jalal, and we are his students. The party’s policies are rooted in his vision for Kirkuk, ensuring that all communities—particularly indigenous groups such as Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs, and local Christians—have representation and influence. The PUK pursues this vision diligently, and the governor is committed to serving all communities without discrimination.”



PUKMEDIA