Shafaq News – Duhok

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma) leader Ammar al-Hakim on Tuesday discussed Erbil–Baghdad relations and the formation of Iraq’s next government.

According to a statement from the Kurdish presidency, the talks examined the post-election landscape and ongoing dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, with both leaders stressing the need for continued coordination and collective engagement to secure stability and advance the political process.

Read more: Iraq’s post-election roadmap: From ballot to government formation

The meeting followed Iraq’s sixth parliamentary election since 2003, which recorded a turnout above 56%. The Kurdistan Democratic Party, where Barzani serves as deputy leader, captured over 1.09 million votes and 26 seats, maintaining its position as the largest Kurdish bloc in parliament, while al-Hakim’s National State Forces Alliance (Quwa al-Dawla al-Wataniyah) won 18 seats.

Read more: Million-Vote Moment: What the KDP’s surge means for Kurdistan and Baghdad