Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani met Iraqi Federal Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani on Tuesday in Duhok on the sidelines of the Sixth Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2025), according to a statement released by Barzani’s office.

The meeting was held shortly after Iraq’s parliamentary elections, which were conducted peacefully. Both leaders congratulated each other on the successful vote and expressed hope that the results would advance the interests of the Iraqi population.

Barzani and Al-Sudani highlighted the need to amend Iraq’s election law to ensure greater fairness and transparency in future polls. They underscored that reforms are essential to strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding the voting rights of all citizens.

The talks also covered the broader political landscape in Iraq and the region, including governance challenges and ongoing political developments. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region.

Senior officials from both delegations attended the meeting, including KDP Politburo member Fuad Hussein, and Iraqi politicians Baha Al-Araji, Ahmed Al-Asadi, and Qusay Mahbuba, signaling the high-level nature of the discussions.

The meeting took place as MEPS 2025 continued at the American University of Kurdistan in Duhok. During the conference, Barzani delivered a keynote speech calling for renewed dialogue and partnership across the region. He referenced historical lessons such as the legacy of the Sykes–Picot Agreement and urged a recommitment to coexistence, institutional governance, and balanced federal-regional relations in Iraq.

Barzani also stressed the importance of addressing ongoing security threats, including terrorism and narcotics trafficking, and called on Kurdish political parties to cooperate in forming a unified regional government. (ILKHA)