Peregraf — Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi visited Sulaymaniyah on Saturday, where he held talks with Bafel Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and later met Shaswar Abdulwahid, President of the New Generation Movement (NGM), as part of ongoing efforts to secure political support for forming a new government.
Talabani received al-Zaidi at the Dabashan compound in Sulaymaniyah, where both sides said they emphasized the need to accelerate coordination among political forces in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to form a government they described as strong, national, and service-oriented, in accordance with the constitution.
PUK Backs al-Zaidi
Talabani said he welcomed al-Zaidi's visit and expressed support for his designation, citing the significance of a younger political figure taking on the premiership.
He said he reaffirmed the PUK's backing for al-Zaidi and stressed the importance of forming a government capable of addressing Iraq's economic and security challenges.
"Our goal is to form a strong government that guarantees a dignified life for citizens, overcomes economic and security challenges, and protects the rights of all Iraqi components — especially the Kurdish people — in accordance with the constitution," Talabani said.
Focus on Baghdad–Erbil Issues
The meeting also touched on the need to resolve outstanding issues between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) through constitutional mechanisms, according to statements from both sides.
For his part, al-Zaidi said he appreciated the PUK's support and stated that coordination would continue to ensure the successful formation of the next Iraqi government.
Meeting With New Generation Leader
During his visit to Sulaymaniyah, al-Zaidi also met Shaswar Abdulwahid, President of the New Generation Movement (NGM), as part of broader consultations with Kurdish political forces.
The meetings are part of al-Zaidi's nationwide outreach following his designation by Iraqi President Nizar Amedi on April 27, 2026, as he works to build consensus among Iraq's major political blocs and secure parliamentary approval for his cabinet within the constitutional 30-day deadline.