Iraqi President arrives in Erbil ahead of security forum

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s President Abdul Latif Rashid arrived in the Kurdistan Region’s capital of Erbil on Tuesday, ahead of the Middle East Peace and Security (MEPS) Forum taking place in Duhok this week.

Upon his arrival at Erbil International Airport, Rashid was received by President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, Vice President Sheikh Jaa`far Sheikh Mustafa, Erbil’s Governor Omed Khoshnaw, and a number of other officials.

Abdullah Aliawayi, Rashid’s advisor, told Rudaw on Monday that the Iraqi president will meet with leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masoud Barzani during his visit to Erbil and discuss a number of issues.

I’m delighted to receive Dr @LJRashid, on his 1st visit to Erbil as the president of Iraq. I reiterated my commitment to resolving outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, and reaffirmed my support to President’s efforts in addressing issues facing the country pic.twitter.com/gUihTsYGXW

— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) November 15, 2022

Rashid is expected to speak on Wednesday at the MEPS Forum taking place at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) in Duhok.

Hundreds of local and regional high-profile speakers will partake in the third edition of the MEPS Forum under the theme of “The Middle East in the Emerging International Order: New Threats, Old Realities.” The forum will start on Tuesday and conclude on Thursday.

Rashid was voted as Iraq’s president on October 13, after besting former President Barham Salih in a lengthy race, setting in motion the country’s government process after a year of political deadlock.

The new Iraqi cabinet has expressed willingness to cooperate with Erbil over pending issues, including drafting a joint hydrocarbon law.