LONDON,— Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, where they discussed strengthening bilateral ties between Iraq and the United Kingdom. The meeting came as King Charles, 76, resumed official duties while continuing his cancer treatment.
According to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders focused on a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, climate change, and cultural partnerships. The discussions also emphasized ways to enhance mutual interests between the two nations in these key areas.
Al-Sudani, 54, expressed his gratitude for the official invitation to visit the UK, reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable relationship with Britain. He noted that the visit marks an important step in deepening ties across various sectors, from trade and defense to development and environmental challenges.
“The opportunity to discuss these issues with King Charles III is a clear indication of Iraq’s dedication to advancing our partnership with the UK,” said al-Sudani in a statement. He emphasized that strengthening bilateral relations would benefit both countries in the long run.
King Charles acknowledged the long-standing historical relationship between Iraq and the UK. He highlighted the importance of furthering cooperation at multiple levels, including governmental and cultural exchanges.
UK, Iraq agree on trade, defense pact worth up to $15 billion
Iraq and the United Kingdom have signed a sweeping trade and defense agreement valued at £12.3 billion ($14.98 billion), according to a joint statement from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday.
During an official visit by Al-Sudani to the United Kingdom, the two leaders met at Downing Street to solidify the deal, which significantly expands economic and security cooperation between the nations. Starmer lauded Iraq’s progress under Al-Sudani’s leadership, emphasizing the UK’s support for Iraq’s long-term stability and growth.
The package includes a £1.2 billion investment in power transmission systems as part of a grid interconnection project linking Iraq and Saudi Arabia. A £500 million initiative will also modernize the Al-Qayyarah Air Base in northern Iraq.
Additionally, a UK-led consortium will oversee a water infrastructure project aimed at providing clean water to arid regions in southern and western Iraq, potentially generating £5.3 billion in UK exports.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to fostering a sovereign and prosperous Iraq,” Starmer’s office stated. The leaders also outlined plans to enhance educational and cultural ties, address climate change challenges, and improve migration management.
The defense agreement signed alongside the trade deal establishes a framework for enhanced military collaboration, which follows last year’s announcement that the U.S.-led coalition combatting ISIS will conclude operations in Iraq by 2026. Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of the deal in strengthening Iraq’s defense capabilities amid shifting regional dynamics.
Al-Sudani’s visit comes at a pivotal time for the Middle East. Iraq, positioned in a volatile geopolitical landscape, seeks to maintain stability amid regional tensions, including conflicts involving Iran-backed groups in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
This latest partnership underscores a deepened bilateral relationship as both nations commit to addressing shared security and economic challenges in an evolving global environment.
(With files from Daily Mail, Iraqi PM’s Press office | UK Government | Reuters)
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