Prime Minister Masrour Barzani addressed the Kurdistan Parliament to update lawmakers on the government’s ambitious reform agenda and the ongoing dialogue with Baghdad over constitutional disputes.
Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the Prime Minister recognised the parliament’s indispensable role in providing oversight to the government’s performance and its activities and that public scrutiny, transparency, and accountability are at the core of his cabinet’s mandate.
Despite a protracted economic crisis caused by the global pandemic, the Prime Minister noted the government has not paused the delivery of public services and continues implementing strategic projects aimed at modernising economic sectors across the Kurdistan Region. In his economic update to the Parliament, Prime Minister Barzani presented the government’s comprehensive reforms, and stressed that the rigorous process requires patience and perseverance from all parties to be successful.
Prime Minister Barzani also underlined that strong relations between Erbil and Baghdad are an important factor for the peace and prosperity of the country and the region. He reiterated the government continues to work with federal authorities to reach a peaceful solution to outstanding constitutional disputes, including in disputed territories where Arabisation policies are currently being implemented and are being categorically denounced by the Kurdistan Regional Government.
The Prime Minister also expressed concern regarding the recent surge in coronavirus cases and fatalities in the Kurdistan Region, urging the public to comply with official health guidelines. He thanked the public for its patience and fortitude in the face of such adversity, calling for unity to overcome the presente crises.