Iraqi President Barham Salih received British Minister for Middle East and North African James Cleverly and Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey during which he stressed the importance of easing tensions and reaching regional and international stability.
The British delegation visited Iraq and Kurdistan to discuss the relationship between the two countries and efforts to combat terrorism, as well as ties between the federal government and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The Iraqi Presidency issued a statement after the meeting, indicating that Salih emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various political, economic, military and health fields.
He also called for collaboration on global challenges, including efforts to combat terrorism and tackle the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Salih said that the region's security and stability of the region is a priority, noting that it is important to pave the way toward further economic or development-related cooperation.
The British ministers appreciated the proposals of the President and his efforts to ease tensions in the region and combat terrorism.
They affirmed their country’s support to ensure Iraq’s security and stability, and their aspiration to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi also received the British delegation, and discussed ties between Baghdad and London.
Kadhimi's office issued a statement affirming that the meeting discussed bilateral relations and the importance of boosting joint cooperation in the war against terrorism and ISIS.
The officials also discussed Kadhimi’s recent visit and ways to convert it into practical steps that serve both countries, as well as means to support the capabilities of the Iraqi forces.
Kadhimi stressed his country's keenness to build strategic relations with Britain, in the political and economic fields. He indicated that the historical relations between the two countries would contribute to strengthening cooperation and support the Iraqi economy.
Also in Erbil, the British delegation discussed with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani ways to boost relations between the Kurdistan region and Britain.
Barzani thanked London and valued its role in helping the Kurdistan region.
He said KRG has fulfilled all of its commitments and duties on the basis of the Iraqi constitution to reach a deal with the Iraqi government, adding that the Iraqi federal government should fulfil its duties by sending the Kurdistan Region’s financial rights and entitlements.
The delegation said that British people look at the role of Peshmerga forces with “respect and appreciation” in the fight against ISIS.
They expressed British government’s willingness to strengthen relations and coordination with the Kurdistan Region in all sectors, "particularly in trade and developing British investment.”
