On Apr 1, the British Consulate General in Erbil, in a statement, appreciated the efforts Qubad Talabani put in during the negotiations with the Iraqi government for securing the Kurdistan Regions share in the 2021 Iraqi federal budget bill.

Below is the context of the statement:

"We extend our congratulations to all those involved in securing a budget deal, from the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The passage of this budget creates the space for the KRG to reform and build back better after COVID-19. We would like to pay tribute to Qubad Talabani in particular for his unique role in negotiating this budget.

This deal can be the start of strong relations between Baghdad and Erbil, and the UK will continue to support both sides in this endeavour."