UK, Iraq to sign strategic partnership agreement

UK and Iraq are set to sign a “strategic partnership” marking the beginning of a “new era” in relations, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced Monday during his flight to London.

The agreement, which will be signed with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is expected to strengthen cooperation between the two nations and is considered “one of the most important steps in relations between Iraq and the United Kingdom,” Sudani said during the flight from Baghdad.

The visit, which also includes a meeting with King Charles III, comes more than 20 years after Britain participated in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Sudani emphasized that the visit would provide “momentum” for the “historic” new relationship between the two countries.

Additionally, the two sides are expected to issue a joint statement on bilateral security cooperation. Sudani also noted that Iraq was planning new “arrangements” ahead of the planned end of the military presence in Iraq by the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh terror group.

The U.S. currently maintains around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria to prevent the resurgence of Daesh terror group. President Joe Biden’s administration has agreed with Iraq to end the coalition’s military presence by September, although it has stopped short of a full withdrawal. This continued presence is opposed by Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq.