ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday received Mohamed al-Hassan, the recently-appointed head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), discussing an array of topics including the Region’s upcoming parliamentary elections and Iraq’s general census.

Barzani congratulated Hassan on his new role and reaffirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) support to ensure his success in his duties.

Hassan lauded the Kurdistan Region as “a shining example of prosperity and distinctive urban progress, making it a model to be emulated in the rest of Iraq,” according to a statement from Barzani’s office.

The UNAMI chief expressed the UN’s willingness to enhance cooperation with the KRG, while Barzani stressed the importance of further extending the mandate in preserving the stability of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

The UN Security Council in May announced that UNAMI’s mission will officially come to an end on December 31, 2025 upon the request of the Iraqi government.

Barzani told the UNAMI chief that Erbil supports conducting a general census as long as it is aimed at serving the interests of the people and not being used for political purposes.

“We affirmed our support for the general census process, provided that it is directed towards improving and upgrading services, in a way that serves the interests of all citizens and components in Iraq, and not used for political purposes or goals,” read the statement from the Kurdish premier.

Iraq is set to carry out a general census on November 20 - the country’s first since 1997. The process will include all Iraqi provinces, including the Kurdistan Region.

Kurdish officials and Yazidi lawmakers have voiced concerns over the upcoming census, citing alleged attempts at demographic change in disputed areas such as Kirkuk and Sinjar.

The Kurdistan Region’s upcoming parliamentary elections were also highlighted in the meeting, with both sides stressing the need for an electoral process free from fraud and violations.

Over 1,500 international observers are set to monitor Sunday’s vote.