PM: Looking forward to build an economic partnership with the UK

INA - BAGHDAD

PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani met on Tuesday with the United Kingdom’s Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to discuss avenues of cooperation and ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

The meeting included discussions on expanding collaboration in security matters and advancing joint efforts to combat drug trafficking and cross-border crime, according to a statement by the PM Media Office - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

Both parties highlighted the upcoming signing of a security memorandum of understanding between the interior ministries of the two countries.

Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s openness to building diverse partnerships and fostering productive collaborations, particularly following the conclusion of the mission of the Global Coalition Against Daesh to combat Daesh in Iraq. 

He also expressed Iraq’s aspiration to establish a robust economic partnership with the United Kingdom that reflects the historical ties between the two nations, particularly in trade and economic sectors. 

"Iraq is ready to embrace productive economic partnerships that drive development, rebuild infrastructure, and support national projects," he added.

For her part, Cooper conveyed greetings from UK PM Sir Keir Starmer to PM Al-Sudani and reiterated the British government’s anticipation of his official visit to London, which had been postponed due to regional developments. 

She underscored "the UK’s eagerness to deepen cooperation and partnership with Iraq across various fields."