The two leaders, at the ends of their respective terms, discussed a broad range of issues including Iraq’s economic situation, ongoing military operations against terror cells, and bolstering cooperation between their governments, according to a statement from Abadi’s office.
“They stressed that dialogue and discussions within the framework of the constitution could resolve outstanding issues to the service of the country,” the statement added.
A statement from Barzani’s office echoed Abadi's.
Barzani also met with Prime Minister-designate Adil Abdul-Mahdi during his tour in Baghdad to discuss formation of the next Iraqi government.
Both sides stressed the importance of the next government meeting the constitutional rights and entitlements of all Iraqis, according to a KRG announcement of the meeting.
They also highlighted the latest developments on the ground in Iraq as well as Erbil-Baghdad relations.
"Continued talks to resolving the problems within the framework of the Iraqi constitution were stressed," the KRG statement read
Abdul-Mahdi will present his proposed cabinet to parliament for approval next week, his office stated.
KRG PM Nechirvan Barzani sits with Iraqi PM-designate Adel Abdul-Mahdi in Baghdad on Wednesday. Photo: KRG
Barzani also met with Iraqi's parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, discussing similar issues of government formation, according to Halbousi's office.
KRG PM Nechirvan Barzani met with Iraq parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi. Photo: Halbousi/Twitter
During the tenures of Barzani and Abadi, the Kurdistan Region and Iraq had historic cooperation militarily in the war against ISIS, but their relationship has been mostly antagonistic. Abadi imposed punitive measures against the Region in response to the independence referendum and ordered federal forces into the disputed areas.
They have also banged heads over the budget. Abadi came into power in 2014 shortly after Baghdad cut the Kurdistan Region’s budget and he has refused to fully restore it. Speaking on the issue in March, Barzani asked, “We are committed to this partnership, but how committed is Baghdad to the partnership?”
“This was not the Iraq we wanted after 2003,” he said.
The draft budget Abadi and his ministers prepared for 2019 again sets the Region’s share at far lower than pre-2014 levels.
The new government is taking shape in Baghdad. Prime Minister-designate Adil Abdul-Mahdi is putting together his cabinet for parliamentary approval and parties are jostling for their share of power positions.
Updated at 9:43 pm
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