Iraq’s PM-designate visits Erbil to discuss government formation with Kurdish leadership

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Erbil on Saturday, where he was received at the airport by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, as part of efforts to advance talks on forming a new federal government with Kurdish leaders.

Zaidi later met President Masoud Barzani, leader of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), with government formation taking center stage.

The two sides emphasized “the importance of unifying visions and positions and working to form a strong government capable of confronting challenges and overcoming crises,” according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister’s media office.

They also agreed that the next government must contribute to “strengthening stability and development and fulfilling the aspirations of all the Iraqi people.”

Zaidi is scheduled to meet Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, as well as Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, during his visit to Erbil.

He is also set to travel to Sulaimani later in the day for talks with Bafel Talabani, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

The Coordination Framework - the largest bloc in parliament with 174 seats in the 329-member legislature - earlier this week nominated Zaidi as its candidate for prime minister, a position traditionally held by a Shiite.

On the same day, Iraqi President Nizar Amedi formally tasked Zaidi with forming a new government and submitting his cabinet and ministerial program to parliament within 30 days, in accordance with the constitution.

Meanwhile, Saad al-Saadi, a politburo member of the al-Sadiqoon Movement - led by cleric Qais al-Khazali - said the Shiite alliance has formed a committee to assist Zaidi in drafting his ministerial program.

Zaidi is accompanied by a delegation from the Coordination Framework during his visit to the Kurdistan Region.

Saadi added that a “roadmap outlining the next Iraqi government’s structure” will also be presented to various political actors, including Kurdish parties.

Updated at 1:45 p.m.