In a high-level meeting in Erbil, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell discussed regional security and accelerating steps to form the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet.

On Monday morning, October 19, 2026, President Barzani received Powell and an accompanying senior delegation. The meeting was also attended by Irfan Siddiq, the UK Ambassador to Iraq, and the UK Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, where they emphasized the development of bilateral relations.

According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the meeting focused on UK relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the security and military sectors. Both sides highlighted the importance of joint cooperation to counter terrorism and maintain peace and stability in Iraq and the wider region.

Another key topic of the discussion was the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region, underscoring the need to expedite efforts to form the new KRG cabinet. The officials also addressed Erbil-Baghdad relations and the resolution of pending issues between the two sides.

Furthermore, the meeting covered the latest political and security developments in the region as a whole, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating current tensions and preventing further conflict.