INA - BAGHDAD

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs - MOFA welcomed on Tuesday the UK's decision to downgrade Iraq's security rating.

"MOFA welcomes the UK's decision to reclassify Iraq's security rating.  This step is considered an important achievement that reflects the significant improvement in the security situation and the Iraqi government's ongoing efforts to achieve stability and enhance a safe and encouraging environment for investment and work," said the ministry in a statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

The statement added that "reducing the security rating will open the way for British companies to enter the Iraqi market. The decision will contribute to reducing the costs of travel and work insurance, which enhances opportunities for economic and investment cooperation between Iraq and the United Kingdom."

"In this context, the ministry calls on other Western countries, including the United States of America, Canada, and the European Union countries (Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands), to reconsider their security ratings for Iraq, and the ministry encourages these countries to take similar steps that support Iraq's efforts to enhance economic cooperation," said the Ministry's statement.

MOFA confirmed that "Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein will work to send official messages to the concerned countries, urging them to review their security classifications of Iraq in line with the positive developments and the noticeable improvement in the security situation." 

"MOFA renewed commitments to working with its international partners to strengthen bilateral relations and provide an appropriate environment for expanding cooperation in various fields, in a way that serves common interests and enhances stability and development in Iraq and the region," included in the statement.