UK and Iraq Mark ‘New Era’ in Relations with Strategic Partnership Agreement
LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on Tuesday to discuss trade, security, and migration, in what has been described as the beginning of a “new era” in UK-Iraq relations.
The visit, which also includes a meeting with King Charles III, marks over 20 years since Britain participated in the US-led invasion of Iraq. During the trip, the two leaders are set to sign a “strategic partnership” aimed at deepening cooperation and shaping future relations between the two nations.
Sudani described the agreement as “one of the most important steps in relations between Iraq and the United Kingdom, representing the start of a new era.” The three-day visit comes amid a tense situation in the Middle East, including the ongoing Gaza conflict and a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.
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Iraq, which maintains a delicate balancing act between its alliances with Iran and the United States, also seeks to strengthen ties with Gulf countries. Sudani first met with King Charles, followed by discussions with Starmer at Downing Street.
The leaders are set to unveil a $15 billion export package aimed at expanding opportunities for British businesses in Iraq. Starmer emphasized that the visit “marks a new era in UK-Iraq cooperation, which will deliver mutual benefits from trade to defence, as we continue to work together towards stability in the wider region.”
