Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - On Monday, January 15 th 2018, delegations from the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government met in Erbil to discuss airport operations, management of border crossings, operation of dams, and other areas of concern. A joint press release was issued, below is the transcipt:

On January 15 th 2018, as directed by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, a high level delegation, headed by the Secretary-General of the Government of Iraq Council of Ministers Mahdi Al Alaq, held a second meeting in Erbil with a delegation of representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government headed by Minister of Interior Karim Sinjari.

At the beginning of the meeting, Secretary-General Al Alaq conveyed Prime Minister al-Abadi’s keen interest that outstanding issues be studied in a constructive manner within the limits of the Iraqi Constitution, including laws enacted under the Constitution.

Minister Karim Sinjari expressed his hope they will reach solutions to the issues that were on the agenda of the meeting. He noted that five technical meetings have been held between delegations of both the federal and regional governments on topics pertaining to security, the Constitution, airports, customs, border crossings, dams, and oil.

The meetings were held in an atmosphere of trust and understanding and ended with the drafting of minutes for each topic, including recommendations that will be submitted according to Diwan Order No. (137) of 2017 that formed the Higher Committee. Teams that did not yet complete their tasks will continue working and submit their reports.