Ali al-Zaidi Calls for 'New Chapter' in Baghdad–Erbil Relations, Urges KDP to Return to Political Process

Peregraf — Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani received Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi on Saturday in the Pirmam district of Erbil, as talks focused on forming the new federal government and resetting relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region.

Al-Zaidi arrived in the Kurdistan Region accompanied by a delegation from the Coordination Framework (CF), and was earlier received at Erbil International Airport by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Call for Government Formation and Constitutional Framework

During the meeting, both sides stressed the need to accelerate the formation of the federal government in line with electoral entitlements and within constitutional deadlines.

Masoud Barzani highlighted the importance of resolving longstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil based on the Iraqi Constitution, describing adherence to it as the key path toward stability.

He called on all political parties to commit to and implement constitutional provisions to address disputes and strengthen governance.

'New Chapter' in Relations

For his part, al-Zaidi emphasized the need to move beyond past disputes and open a "new chapter" in relations between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

He underscored the importance of cooperation and coordination to ensure political stability and effective governance across Iraq.

Call for KDP Return to Political Process

According to a statement, al-Zaidi and his delegation also called on the Kurdistan Democratic Party to return its parliamentary and governmental blocs to active participation in Baghdad.

The KDP has been boycotting sessions of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and the Council of Ministers in protest over recent political developments, including the election of Nizar Amedi — the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) candidate — as President of Iraq on April 11, 2026. The KDP does not recognize Amedi's election, claiming the process violated parliamentary regulations and did not reflect a unified Kurdish position. 

Al-Zaidi's outreach is presented as part of broader efforts to secure Kurdish participation and political consensus as he works to form a new government within the constitutional timeframe.