Historic Meeting Between Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in London to mark a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the UK and Iraq.
This meeting, hailed as the beginning of a “new era” in ties, comes more than 20 years after Britain’s involvement in the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Strategic Partnership and Economic Cooperation
The visit saw the signing of a strategic partnership agreement aimed at consolidating cooperation between the two nations.
A main component of this agreement is an up to £12.3 billion export package designed to boost opportunities for British businesses, representing a substantial increase from last year’s trade figures.
This package is part of the UK’s Plan for Change, focusing on delivering economic growth and leveraging UK private sector expertise in sectors such as water, energy, telecoms, and defence infrastructure.
Economic and Trade Implications
The new export package is expected to drive significant economic growth for both countries. The agreement also includes the export of £66.5 million worth of equipment to strengthen Iraq’s borders and disrupt smuggling gangs, aligning with the UK’s Plan for Change to secure borders and deliver economic growth.
Statistics
- Up to £12.3 billion export package
- £66.5 million worth of equipment to strengthen Iraq’s borders
- 16,400 people with no right to be in the UK removed since the last surge in returns activity
Leadership Response
Today 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.
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
This statement underscores the commitment of both leaders to fostering a stronger, more cooperative relationship that benefits both nations economically and in terms of regional stability.
Progress and Future Developments
- Start of talks on a specific returns agreement to tackle illegal migration
- Implementation of the largest-ever operational package on border security and law enforcement between the UK and Iraq
- Target to deliver the highest rate of removals since 2018
Regional Impact
The enhanced cooperation also addresses the complex geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly amidst the Gaza war and the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iraq’s delicate balancing act between its alliances with Iran and its strategic partnership with Washington is expected to be supported through this strengthened relationship with the UK.
Immediate Implications
The immediate impact of this joint statement includes a significant boost to trade and investment between the two countries, as well as a strengthened approach to tackling illegal migration.
The agreement on border security and law enforcement will also help in dismantling people smuggling gangs.
Broader Significance
This new era of cooperation marks a pivotal shift in the UK-Iraq relationship, moving beyond historical conflicts to focus on mutual economic benefits, regional stability, and collaborative solutions to global challenges.
The strategic partnership is set to have long-term implications for both nations, enhancing their economic and security landscapes.
