President Bafel’s Key Meetings in Baghdad Aim to Secure Salaries and Uphold Oil Agreement

P.U.K 11:30 AM - 2025-10-13

PUK President, Bafel Jalal Talabani.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), has held a series of high-level meetings in Baghdad over recent days to address several critical issues, most notably ensuring the payment of employee salaries for the remainder of the year and safeguarding the oil agreement concluded between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government.

Salary payments to be aligned with the rest of Iraq

Dr Narmin Maruf, candidate number 12 on the PUK list 222 in the Sulaymaniyah electoral constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “The PUK bloc has consistently worked to secure employee salaries. President Bafel Jalal Talabani’s visits to Baghdad and his discussions with political leaders are crucial, as he is the architect of the oil agreement, the resumption of oil exports, and the timely payment of salaries.”

Dr Maruf added: “President Bafel Jalal Talabani is in Baghdad to coordinate salary schedules with other governorates, distribute salaries for August and September, secure payments for the remaining months of this year, and ensure that citizens’ entitlements remain unaffected by political disputes.” She explained: “The agreement reached between the KRG and Baghdad, negotiated through President Talabani’s efforts, guarantees the continued monthly payment of salaries until the new budget is approved next year. No employee will lose their pay this year, as the KRG has met all its obligations. President Talabani’s current visit aims to ensure this continues.”

Persistent Efforts to Resolve Issues

Dr Hersh Rasul, candidate number 5 on the PUK list 222 in Sulaymaniyah, told PUKMEDIA: “President Bafel Jalal Talabani’s visit extends the legacy of the late President Mam Jalal, who played a pivotal role in Iraq and the region. His efforts bring reassurance and confidence to the people of the Kurdistan Region, who see him as a steadfast defender of their rights.” He added: “The PUK's electoral campaign is under the slogan ‘We are your strength in Baghdad.’ The party remains committed to protecting the constitutional and national rights of the people of Kurdistan, with employee salaries a top priority.”

‘We Are Your Strength in Baghdad’

Dr Ahmed Kirkuki, candidate number 6 on the PUK list 222 in the Kirkuk electoral constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “President Bafel Jalal Talabani’s ongoing visits demonstrate the credibility of the PUK’s slogan, ‘We are your strength in Baghdad.’ These efforts show that he is and will continue to be a key figure in resolving regional disputes and that the PUK is uniquely positioned to safeguard citizens’ rights.” He added: “The results of his visits have strengthened public confidence in his work and reinforced his role as a true defender of the people of Kurdistan. Baghdad remains the PUK’s strategic centre for addressing issues, securing salaries, and serving the region’s citizens.”

President Bafel's Meetings in Baghdad

On Saturday, 11 October, Mr Talabani met with senior federal and political figures. Discussions reaffirmed the commitment to the terms of the oil agreement, emphasised coordination of salary distribution to align with the rest of Iraq, and highlighted the importance of separating financial entitlements from political conflicts. The meetings also stressed the need for transparent and fair upcoming legislative elections, reflecting the aspirations of all citizens.



PUKMEDIA