ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received a delegation from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) on Thursday, discussing government formation and adherence to the constitution.

“[Sudani] welcomed a delegation from the PUK, headed by former Minister of Environment Mr. Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amidi,” the premier’s office announced in a statement.

During the meeting, Sudani emphasized the importance of cooperation among national forces to accelerate the formation of “a government capable of implementing the priorities of the next phase.”

Both parties also highlighted the need to “uphold the constitution as the fundamental reference for protecting state institutions and ensuring citizens’ rights.”

Iraq’s political forces are currently engaging in discussions and negotiations regarding the ranks and positions to be allotted in the Iraqi federal government’s new cabinet following the conclusion of the parliamentary elections.

On Monday, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court dissolved the current Iraqi parliament and placed the federal government in caretaker status, ending the mandate of the fifth parliament and the full powers of the sitting government.

With the final results announced, the upcoming Iraqi parliament must hold its first session within 15 days, during which the representatives elect a speaker, a post that traditionally goes to a Sunni Arab.

Within 30 days of the first session, the parliament must also elect a president for the country, which is traditionally reserved for Kurds.

Iraq concluded its sixth parliamentary elections on November 11, in which over 7,750 candidates competed for the Iraqi legislature’s 329 seats.

Sudani's Reconstruction and Development Alliance received the most seats in parliament at 46, while the PUK secured 18 spots.