Sudani says Kurdistan Region is an integral part of Iraq during White House visit

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said during a White House visit that the Kurdistan Region is an inseparable part of Iraq, emphasizing national unity as a priority of his government. Sudani stated that preserving the unity and integrity of all Iraqi territory ranks among his administration's key objectives. The talks also addressed strengthening relations between Baghdad and Erbil and the need to resolve disputes within the constitutional framework, according to a statement from the prime minister's office. Sudani said Iraq would continue joint efforts against terrorist groups and underlined the importance of international cooperation for regional stability. Energy, security and economic partnerships were among the other issues discussed during the visit, the statement added. The Iraqi government said it would continue working to resolve outstanding issues with the Kurdistan Region, including public-sector salaries, the distribution of oil revenues and security coordination.