Baghdad, Iraq- Iraqi PM Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, announced that the salaries for the Kurdistan Region will be transferred in a “coordinated manner” in the coming months, ensuring that the federal Ministry of Finance addresses the issue promptly. He also emphasized that the salary delay was a technical problem rather than a political issue.
Al-Sudani further clarified that despite some disagreements with the Kurdistan Region, both sides managed to work together and find solutions. The issue regarding the salaries was of a technical nature and was not politically motivated.
On February 4, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Finance authorized the release of more than one trillion dinars to cover the Kurdistan Region’s salaries for the second month of the year. This followed an agreement between the two sides to resolve the technical issues they had been facing.
Al-Sudani explained that the salaries of Kurdistan’s government employees were directly linked to the budget, which is managed by the Federal Ministry of Finance. This was according to the ruling of the Federal Supreme Court and the established mechanism for salary distribution and allocation of revenues..
In a related context, on February 2, 2025, the Iraqi Parliament passed a budget law that includes provisions for oil exports and revenue distribution from the Kurdistan Region. The law stipulates that the region must deliver 400,000 barrels of oil per day to the central government, ensuring that proper regulations are followed.
Al-Sudani also mentioned that there were discussions on addressing gas imports and the challenges that Iraq faces in securing gas from Iran, acknowledging the complex nature of such transactions, which are influenced by external factors, including U.S. sanctions on Iran. However, efforts were being made to resolve these issues, with plans to secure gas imports by 2028.
On the situation in Syria, Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s coordination with Syria to manage border security and support humanitarian efforts for refugees. He stressed that Iraq would continue its collaboration with Syria to combat terrorism, particularly in regard to ISIS, and ensure the stability of both nations in the face of external threats.
