Massoud Barzani visits Baghdad for the first time in six years

BAGHDAD,— Massoud Barzani, the tribal leader and head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), was welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani in Baghdad on Wednesday. The Iraqi premier described the visit as “important” and commended the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad.

Barzani, 78, arrived in Baghdad for the first time in six years. He was greeted by Sudani and is set to meet with several senior Iraqi officials to discuss various issues, including the ties between Erbil and Baghdad.

Following the meeting, Sudani remarked on the constructive and purposeful dialogue they had, emphasizing the significance of Barzani’s visit. He highlighted the “important strides” made in building trust between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), noting that both sides have “overcome inherited problems.”

As the leader of the KDP, which holds the most seats in the Iraqi parliament among parties from Iraqi Kurdistan region, Barzani expressed his aim to strengthen the efforts made by the prime minister. He praised the current government under Sudani and described their discussions as “constructive,” with both sides sharing similar views.

During his visit, Barzani will also meet with key political figures, including Hadi al-Amiri, head of the Fatih Alliance; Nouri al-Maliki, former prime minister and leader of the State of Law Coalition; and Haider al-Abadi, former premier and leader of the Victory Party, among others.

Barzani’s last visit to Baghdad was in November 2018, following a controversial independence referendum in 2017.

The Kurdistan region in Iraq considered as the most corrupted part of the country. Watchdogs report that billions of dollars from oil revenues are missing.

Critics and observers accuse the ruling Barzani clan, often called the “Kurdish oligarchs,” of nepotism and amassing huge wealth from oil business for the family instead of serving the population.

Massoud Barzani, remains the most powerful leader in the shadow according to analysts. His son, Masrour, serves as the prime minister, and his nephew, Nechirvan Barzani, is the region’s president.