Kadhimi, accompanied by a high-level military delegation, arrived at Erbil International Airport and was received by Barzani.

Earlier on Wednesday, the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs said in a statement that Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi Army launched joint operations against ISIS in Garmaser and Qaratapa axes.

The ministry said the operations are in the framework of the agreements reached earlier between the KRG and the federal government.

Kadhimi and Barzani discussed the latest developments in Iraq after the October general election, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said in a statement.

Both sides stressed the importance of stability, economic development and the solution to the suspended issues between Erbil and Baghdad, the statement read.

They also discussed the recent attacks carried out by ISIS militants in the disputed territories and the importance of intensifying efforts and strengthening coordination between Iraqi and Kurdish forces, according to the KRG.

The premier’s visit came after ISIS militants carried out several attacks against the Peshmerga forces and civilians in the disputed territories in the past 10 days.

Twenty-two members of the Peshmerga forces and three civilians were killed in the attacks, according to authorities.

Kurdish officials have long blamed a lack of coordination along a stretch of territory claimed by both Baghdad and Erbil for ISIS’ continued ability to wage deadly attacks.

Islamic State controlled roughly a third of Iraq between 2014 and 2017. Iraqi forces and Kurdish troops backed by U.S.-led Coalition forces and as well as Iran-backed Shia militias defeated the militant group in 2017, but its members still roam areas of northern Iraq and northeastern Syria.

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