The UK’s Ambassador to Baghdad Irfan Siddiq recently visited the Kurdistan Region and underlined the importance of de-escalation and returning to negotiations amid regional tensions.

“ It’s great to be back here in the Kurdistan Region, particularly at such an important time given regional tensions. The importance of de-escalation and returning to negotiations is absolutely paramount, but also other issues that are important, such as the ongoing salaries, disputes, and broader political issues,” Ambassador Siddiq said in a video message on X.

“These are subjects that I was really happy to come here and discuss with the leaders, and we agreed on the need for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. We all agreed on the importance of resolving the ongoing budget and salaries issues through dialogue, and negotiation between the federal and regional governments.”

HMA @IrfanUKAmb visited Erbil today to discuss the current regional tensions and the challenges facing the Kurdistan Region. Watch ? to hear him set out the UK’s support for dialogue and negotiation to resolve issues, both in the KRI and the wider region pic.twitter.com/VybWR7ZgBy

— UK in Erbil (@ukinerbil) June 25, 2025

During his visit to the Kurdistan Region, Ambassador Sidiq met with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

According to the KRG readout, during the meeting between the UK Ambassador and Prime Minister Barzani, both officials discussed the need to resolve outstanding issues between the KRG and the federal government of Iraq, particularly the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements, on the basis of the Constitution.

Furthermore, according to the official readout, during the meeting between the UK Ambassador and President Barzani, the both sides “emphasized the importance of addressing the issues between Erbil and Baghdad.”

They also agreed to continue dialogue to accelerate the formation of the new cabinet of the KRG.

“We, as the UK, are committed to playing a role as partners in supporting dialogue, and a negotiated agreed solution because, without this, many of the challenging issues won't be resolved,” Ambassador Siddiq continued. “The UK continues to be a supportive partner to all parties and is confident that, given the determination and resilience of the people of Kurdistan and Iraq, these issues can be resolved.”

In May, Iraq’s federal Ministry of Finance decided to suspend the salaries of public employees in the Kurdistan Region for this year, a move that was condemned by the Kurdish leadership.

Prime Minister Barzani on Wednesday announced an Iraqi delegation will soon visit Erbil to find a solution to the dispute between Erbil and Baghdad.