PUK President's Baghdad Visit Reinforces PUK’s Role in Strengthening Partnership and Stability

P.U.K 10:29 AM - 2025-10-13

PUK President's high-level meetings in Baghdad.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), conducted a series of important meetings in Baghdad with senior Iraqi political leaders and state officials to discuss national priorities, strengthen coordination between Erbil and Baghdad, and ensure the fair and transparent conduct of the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections.

The PUK President was accompanied by Nizar Amedi, Member of the PUK Political Bureau, and Dr Khalid Shwani, Iraq’s Minister of Justice.

President Bafel Calls on Iraqi Prime Minister to Expedite Salary Procedures

In a meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, President Bafel Jalal Talabani urged the federal government to expedite the administrative and financial procedures required to send salaries to employees in the Kurdistan Region, ensuring that the salary distribution system aligns with the rest of Iraq.

Discussions also centred on the implementation of the oil agreement between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi federal government. Both sides reviewed ways to remove obstacles preventing its full execution, stressing that the agreement should be implemented in a manner that guarantees citizens’ rights and shields them from political disputes.

President Bafel expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister al-Sudani for approving the renaming of Sulaymaniyah International Airport to Jalal Talabani International Airport, describing it as a symbol of respect for the legacy of Mam Jalal.

He further noted: “The Prime Minister himself is the son of a martyr, and he has consistently demonstrated exceptional attention to the families of martyrs, which is highly commendable.”

Both sides also discussed the forthcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, emphasising the need for transparent, fair, and credible polls that reflect the will of the Iraqi people.

PUK President and Judiciary Chief Discuss Legal Integrity of Elections

President Bafel met with Faiq Zaidan, President of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council, to discuss the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the promotion of justice across Iraq.

The meeting focused on the judiciary’s critical role in guaranteeing the integrity of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Both sides reaffirmed the need for impartiality, legal oversight, and strong institutional cooperation in support of democracy.

President Bafel and Qais al-Khazali Emphasise Electoral Fairness

In a meeting with Qais al-Khazali, Secretary-General of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq movement, the discussions focused on strengthening relations and coordination between the PUK and the movement to serve the nation’s highest interests.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of holding clean, fair, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the Iraqi people and contribute to national stability.

President Bafel and Nouri al-Maliki Highlight Need for Transparent Elections

President Bafel also met with Nouri al-Maliki, Leader of the State of Law Coalition. The meeting covered the latest political developments in Iraq and the wider region, as well as the oil agreement between Erbil and Baghdad.

Both leaders called on political parties to conduct their campaigns responsibly and ensure that their programmes serve national interests and citizens’ aspirations. They underscored the need to create a suitable environment for transparent and fair elections and reaffirmed their shared commitment to safeguarding citizens' rights and ensuring the regular payment of salaries.

President Bafel Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue in Meeting with Iraqi President

In his meeting with Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, President Bafel stressed the importance of continued national dialogue among all political forces to protect peace and ensure free and fair elections.

Both sides emphasised the necessity of coordination between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve outstanding issues within the constitutional framework and guarantee the financial entitlements of citizens in the Kurdistan Region.

President Bafel stated: “The PUK has always advocated dialogue and recognised that the interests of our people lie in continued compromise and genuine partnership. Baghdad lies at the core of our political strategy.”

He expressed appreciation for President Rashid’s role in bridging political differences and promoting national unity.

President Bafel and Halbousi Discuss Strengthening Institutions and Electoral Integrity

President Bafel met with Mohammed al-Halbousi, Leader of the Progress Alliance, where they discussed enhancing cooperation and coordination between their respective parties to advance public service delivery and strengthen national institutions.

Both leaders underscored the importance of conducting transparent and fair elections that reflect the diversity and will of all Iraqi citizens.

They also exchanged views on Erbil–Baghdad relations, with President Bafel reaffirming the PUK’s firm national stance:
“The PUK is committed to its national responsibilities and places the interests of our people in Baghdad at the forefront. We will continue our efforts to secure citizens’ salaries and safeguard their livelihoods.”

President Bafel and Parliament Deputy Speaker Discuss Unity and Cooperation

In his meeting with Mohsen al-Mandalawi, First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, President Bafel stressed the importance of unity and joint efforts to ensure the successful conduct of transparent and credible elections.

Both sides discussed the latest political developments in Iraq and agreed that continued cooperation among political forces was vital for protecting stability and strengthening democratic governance.

PUK President and Azm Alliance Leader Review Erbil–Baghdad Relations

President Bafel also met with Muthanna al-Samarrai, Leader of the Azm Alliance, to discuss Erbil–Baghdad relations and the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The discussions focused on implementing constitutional principles to resolve outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government. Both sides underlined the importance of holding transparent and fair elections that uphold the will of the people.

President Bafel and al-Furaiji Highlight Shared Efforts to Serve the People

President Bafel met with Abu Karar al-Furaiji, Secretary-General of the Al-Fadhila Party. The two leaders discussed enhancing bilateral relations and expanding coordination between their parties.

They emphasised the importance of joint efforts aimed at better serving the people, reinforcing unity, and promoting cooperation among all Iraqi political entities.

President Bafel and Hadi al-Amiri Reaffirm Commitment to Electoral Transparency

In his meeting with Hadi al-Amiri, Leader of the Fatah Alliance, President Bafel and his delegation discussed the political situation in Iraq and the upcoming elections.

Both leaders highlighted the long-standing relationship between the PUK and the Fatah Coalition, expressing a shared commitment to national stability and cooperation.

They underscored the importance of fair and transparent elections, reflecting the aspirations of the Iraqi people and consolidating democracy.

A Visit Focused on Partnership, Justice, and the People

President Bafel Jalal Talabani’s visit to Baghdad highlighted the PUK’s constructive and pragmatic political approach — one rooted in dialogue, unity, and service.

By addressing vital issues such as the oil agreement, public sector salaries, judicial integrity, and electoral transparency, the PUK President reaffirmed the party’s dedication to protecting citizens’ rights and strengthening Iraq’s democratic foundations.

His engagements with Iraq’s highest leaders reflect a shared understanding: that cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad remains essential for stability, justice, and progress across all of Iraq.



PUKMEDIA