On 31 January 2023, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and with Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani present, discussed key issues regarding the Kurdistan Region's financial arrangements with the federal government.
The focus was on recent progress made in discussions about the budget, public sector wages, and oil production costs in the Kurdistan Region. The KRG's negotiation team reported that the region has met all its commitments to Baghdad and presented suggestions for amending the federal budget law to the federal authorities, aiming to remove current barriers in the legislation.
The Council underscored the Kurdistan Region's right to its share of the federal budget and timely salary payments for its public sector employees, highlighting that the region has adhered to all its obligations. The need for equitable treatment in salary distribution across Iraq was emphasised.
Additionally, Prime Minister Barzani updated the Council on his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos. He highlighted his advocacy for the security, peace, and stability of the Kurdistan Region and called for an end to hostilities targeting the region.