ERBIL () — The Iraqi government has reaffirmed Baghdad’s responsibility to provide salaries for public employees of the Kurdistan Region, while acknowledging that disruptions to oil exports amid regional conflicts have caused significant economic losses for Iraq.
Iraqi government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi told on Tuesday, that the federal government considers itself responsible for all components of the Iraqi population and is committed to meeting the needs of residents of the Kurdistan Region.
Al-Aboudi said the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, approved by voters, establishes the federal government’s responsibility for ensuring the salaries of Kurdistan Region public employees and addressing the needs and demands of the Region’s residents.
He echoed remarks by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at a press conference in Berlin, stressing that “the Kurdistan Region is an essential and important part of Iraq.”
Al-Aboudi also addressed the participation of senior Kurdish officials, including Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Fawzi Hariri, President of the Diwan (Office) of the Kurdistan Region Presidency, in al-Zaidi’s meetings and engagements during his European tour.
He said the officials represent the Iraqi state and have played a positive role, within their respective positions and responsibilities, in advancing Iraq’s national interests and protecting the rights of all its components.
Iraq's economic losses
Regarding the impact of regional conflicts on Iraq, al-Aboudi said that although Iraq was not a party to the war, its economy had suffered substantial losses, particularly because of difficulties in exporting oil to global markets.
He said the Iraqi delegation’s visits to France and Germany also conveyed a clear message that Iraq provides a suitable environment for investment.
According to al-Aboudi, Prime Minister al-Zaidi formally invited major companies from both countries to participate in projects in the energy, security, civil aviation, and infrastructure sectors.
