ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday received British Ambassador to Iraq Irfan Siddiq. The pair discussed Erbil and Baghdad’s issues as well as the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements.

The meeting took place in the presence of British Consul General in Erbil Andrew Bizley, read a statement from the prime minister’s office, adding that “in addition to putting emphasis on improving bilateral relations, views were exchanged on the importance and necessity of resolving the issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government, particularly the provision of the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements.” 

Both sides agreed on the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) new government cabinet, as soon as possible. With regional security and stability being another axis of the meeting, where they discussed the latest regional developments and stressed “the importance of protecting the peace and stability in the Middle East.” 

Prior to his meeting with the premier, Siddiq was also received by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, discussing bilateral ties between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the United Kingdom, and stressing the need to resolve Erbil-Baghdad financial issues. 

The United Kingdom has been a close ally of the Kurdistan Region, with the two sides having cooperated numerous times to curb illegal migration. 

In late November, the British government announced reaching a “world-first” security agreement with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, aimed at combating irregular migration and other border security concerns.