London: The UK is set to experience significant trade boosts and enhanced cooperation on illegal migration as the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammad Al-Sudani, meets with the British Prime Minister at Downing Street. The meeting on Tuesday culminated in the announcement of a substantial export package aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
According to Kuwait News Agency, a statement from the British Premier's office highlighted a new £12.3 billion export package. This deal stands at approximately ten times the value of last year's trade between the UK and Iraq. The agreement is supported by a series of export agreements designed to advance the trading relationship and create substantial opportunities for UK businesses, aligning with the government's objective of fostering economic growth.
The discussions also included a proposed migrant returns agreement between the UK and Iraq. Once finalized, this agreement will expedite the return of individuals who have no legal right to remain in the UK, as emphasized in the statement.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked on the significance of this cooperation, stating that it marks a new era in UK-Iraq relations, promising shared benefits from trade to defense. He underscored Iraq's alignment with the UK's priority of economic growth, with the export package offering considerable opportunities for British enterprises. The focus on secure borders is also a key component of the UK's Plan for Change, aiming to combat illegal migration and human smuggling.
Furthermore, the leaders signed a notable Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which leverages UK private sector expertise in areas such as water, energy, telecoms, and defense infrastructure. This agreement will facilitate future investment projects and notable opportunities for British businesses. As part of this collaboration, £66.5 million worth of UK equipment will be exported to bolster Iraq's borders and combat smuggling activities, aligning with the UK's strategic objectives.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the progress made since signing a landmark deal with Iraq in November. The security agreement is already making an impact by enhancing border security through the Border Security Command, improving intelligence-sharing, and providing additional funding to support Iraq's law enforcement capabilities. This partnership aims to dismantle smuggling networks and bring perpetrators to justice, reinforcing the shared commitment to combating criminal activities.