UK and Iraq Forge Strategic Partnership in London Talks

Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discuss trade, security, and migration as part of a landmark agreement marking a 'new era' in bilateral relations.

• The UK and Iraq are set to sign a strategic partnership agreement to enhance cooperation on trade, security, and migration policies.
• The agreement includes a £12.3 billion export package aimed at boosting British business opportunities in sectors like energy, telecoms, and defense infrastructure.
• Talks will focus on a bespoke returns agreement to address irregular migration, targeting people-smuggling networks and increasing deportations of failed asylum seekers.
• The visit also highlights Iraq's preparations for the end of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS's military presence in the country by September 2025.
• The discussions reflect Iraq's balancing act between its ties with Iran, the US, and Gulf nations, while seeking deeper economic and security collaboration with the UK.

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