New Delhi: The United Kingdom and Iraq are strengthening cooperation on trade, economic growth, and illegal migration, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday.
The announcement came during a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to 10 Downing Street. The two leaders unveiled an export package valued at up to £12.3 billion, designed to create new opportunities for British businesses and fuel economic growth. This package represents a significant increase in trade between the two countries, exceeding last year’s total by approximately tenfold, a UK government release stated. The agreement, which includes £12.3 billion in export financing from UK Export Finance, will provide UK and Iraqi businesses with more certainty and contribute to growth and shared economic benefits.
“This agreement — a significant £12 billion export package, helped by our UK Export Finance — will give UK and Iraqi businesses more certainty and help lead to growth and genuine shared benefits for both our economies,” said Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds.
Both leaders will also initiate discussions for a specific returns agreement aimed at bolstering UK border security and curbing illegal migration. The agreement will facilitate the swift return of individuals who have no legal right to remain in the UK.
“Today marks a new era in UK-Iraq cooperation, which will deliver mutual benefits from trade to defense, as we continue to work together towards stability in the wider region,” Starmer said.