Shafaq News- Erbil (Updated at 18:30)

Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, along with a delegation from the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), met on Saturday with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani to discuss the formation of Iraq’s next government.

Barzani said he reviewed the “sensitive phase” Iraq is going through with Al-Zaidi and affirmed full support for his efforts to form a “strong government” that meets Iraqis’ aspirations and reinforces stability.

The talks are part of al-Zaidi’s visit to Erbil, aimed at securing agreements with Kurdish leaders to advance the announcement of a new cabinet.

Earlier today, he met with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. Al-Zaidi is expected to travel to Al-Sulaymaniyah after concluding meetings in Erbil to meet Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani.

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