BAGHDAD, Iraq—President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani is optimistic Erbil and Baghdad will find solutions for the disputes between the two governments, including on the issue of independence for the Kurdistan Region.

“We do not look to break away from Iraq. This is wrong when they say the Kurdistan Region asked to secede. But we ask for independence, and this our natural right. We will discuss it with Baghdad and there should be an understanding with Baghdad on this,” Barzani said in a joint press conference with Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Iraqi National Alliance, in Baghdad on Thursday.

Barzani is in Baghdad along with a delegation of Kurdish politicians representing four political parties; they met with Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.Barzani described the Kurdish delegation’s meetings as important, and said talks should continue between the two governments to rebuild trust and reach a solution to their disagreements.“Our meeting with the National Alliance was very important, frankly. We have discussed all the issues, especially the war on terror and retaking Mosul. Also, we reached an agreement between the Iraqi defense ministry and the Peshmerga ministry to collaborate in the Mosul battle.”“We should plan for Mosul to liberate it. And after liberation, there should be good collaboration between Peshmerga, Iraqi army and other forces. We have discussed the economic crisis that our people faced and improving relations between Erbil and Baghdad to solve this economic crisis,” Barzani added.Barzani asked for talks and meetings between the two sides to continue and mentioned that soon another Kurdish delegation would arrive in Baghdad.

“In our visit, we worked to improve relations between Erbil and Baghdad. Dialogue and talks should continue between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, to rebuild trust, and in order to find a solution for the crises and reach a good solution.”

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“Another delegation from the Kurdistan Region will visit Baghdad,” he added, expressing hope that they would reach a solution to the problems plaguing Erbil and Baghdad.The Kurdish president was optimistic about relations with Baghdad.“If we did not have good intentions, we would not have come to Baghdad,” he said. “The guarantee is that there is a historic relationship between us. Despite that, we need to discuss the situation and continue, and I think we will reach a good conclusion.”A high-level Kurdish delegation led by Barzani arrived in Baghdad Thursday morning for negotiations with Iraqi leaders on a range of issues, including budgetary disputes between the two capitals and a roadmap for the post-Mosul offensive.The delegation met with Abadi and other senior Iraqi leaders from the Iraqi National Alliance and the Sadr front.The visit of the Kurdish delegation to Baghdad is considered positive, opening a new page in the relations between the two governments.