On Monday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell. The meeting was also attended by Irfan Siddiq, UK Ambassador to Iraq, and Holly Vare, UK Consul General in Erbil.

Prime Minister @masrourbarzani received Jonathan Powell, the UK National Security Adviser, in Erbil today. They underscored the importance of maintaining security and stability in the Kurdistan Region and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, particularly in tackling illegal migration. https://t.co/I0fpaKT6zP

— Kurdistan Regional Government (@Kurdistan) October 19, 2026

According to the KRG readout, they addressed the security situation in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the broader region. They underscored the importance of maintaining security and stability in the Kurdistan Region and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, particularly in tackling illegal migration.

They also discussed ongoing efforts to reactivate the Kurdistan Parliament and advance the formation of the new KRG cabinet.

Both sides expressed their appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the UK.

In a separate meeting, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also received UK National Security Advisor Powell. 

According to the Kurdistan Region presidency, the talks addressed the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region, efforts to form a new KRG cabinet, Erbil-Baghdad relations, political and security developments in the region, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.