ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - President Masoud Barzani on Saturday held a meeting in Erbil with Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi in which they stressed "unifying views and positions" ahead of government formation efforts.

"During the meeting, the general situation of the country and the progress of talks toward forming the new government were reviewed," read a statement from Zaidi's office.

"Emphasis was also placed on the importance of unifying views and positions and working to form a strong government that has the ability to confront obstacles and overcome crises, in order to participate in strengthening stability and development and achieving the aspirations of all components of the Iraqi people."

Zaidi was accompanied by a delegation from Iraq's ruling Shiite Coordination Framework.

The meeting marks a high-profile dialogue between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), of which Masoud Barzani is president, and the newly nominated Iraqi premiership candidate, coming after the KDP in mid-April opted to indefinitely boycott the Iraqi parliament over what it termed "constitutional violations" by Baghdad.

"We reaffirm that safeguarding the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan and preserving the legitimacy of the political process take precedence over all considerations and interests," the KDP added.

Zaidi was nominated for the post on Monday by the parliament’s largest bloc, the Shiite Coordination Framework, after months of internal strife. He is seen as a compromise figure and is relatively unknown in the Iraqi political sphere.

President Barzani, upon the announcement, expressed his hope that the businessman's appointment will prove "an opportunity to correct the course of the political process," according to a statement from Barzani Headquarters.

Kurdish leaders have cautiously welcomed Zaidi's appointment, which has also been endorsed by US President Donald Trump, as an opportunity to resolve outstanding Erbil-Baghdad disputes via a constitutional approach.

The businessman-turned-politician Zaidi was received on Saturday morning by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at Erbil International Airport and is also expected to meet with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani during his trip.