SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Monday received the Minister of the State for Security of the United Kingdom, Tom Tugendhat, according to a statement released by Sudani’s press office.
The two sides discussed UK-Iraq bilateral relations and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially security, military, and combating terrorism, as well as in the field of combating corruption, the statement said.
Iraq’s Sudani also commended the United Kingdom`s support for Iraq and its solidarity in the fight against the terrorist gangs of ISIS.
He highlighted the need to collaborate with the British side to combat cross-border crimes, particularly smuggling, human trafficking, drug-related offenses, and recovering stolen funds as well as the extradition of individuals sought by the Iraqi judiciary for cases related to corruption.
He emphasized that combating corruption is a popular demand, and its danger does not stop in Iraq but threatens all countries of the world.
Sudani further revealed the government`s launch of a 2023-2026 national strategy against human trafficking and a 2023-2025 strategy against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. He acknowledged Iraq`s significant efforts in combatting these challenges, the statement added.
The Prime Minister also welcomed the signing of the joint declaration of intent to be concluded between the Iraqi and British Ministries of Interior, and the draft memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
In the meantime, UK’s Tugendhat expressed Britain’s readiness to support the Iraqi security forces and provide them with modern technologies. He commended the efforts of all Iraqi security services in combating terrorism and eliminating the terrorist gangs of ISIS, highlighting their role in the security stability of the country.
