Deputy Speaker Dr. Hemin Hawrami receives UK's Consul General David Hunt

Kurdistan Parliament Deputy Speaker Dr. Hemin Hawrami on 31 January 2022 welcomed the UK's Consul General in Kurdistan Region, Mr. David Hunt. They discussed the latest political developments in Iraq and increasing exchanges between their respective parliaments to share expertise.

Deputy Speaker Hawrami gave Consul General Hunt an overview of the latest political developments in Baghdad, in particular the negotiations over the Iraqi government formation process and the forthcoming Iraqi presidential election in the Iraqi Council of Representatives.

Dr. Hawrami and MPs from several different parties said that most of Kurdistan's political forces are united on the outstanding issues that need to be resolved with Baghdad, including Kurdistan Region's share of the budget, the Peshmerga forces and implementing Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. 

The MPs said that protecting Kurdistan Region's constitutional status and achievements is a priority.

Consul General Hunt said that the UK supports a strong and prosperous Kurdistan Region, and that the UK hopes for the Kurdistan Region's political forces to be united in resolving the outstanding disagreements with the Iraqi Federal Government.

The Kurdistan Parliament Deputy Speaker and UK Consul General also discussed increasing the already close relations between their respective parliaments, by sharing knowledge and expertise.

Consul General Hunt said that there are many opportunities for more cooperation on education and higher and vocational education between their nations. He added that there are plans to open a UK-accredited university in the Kurdistan Region.