New Era of‌ Collaboration:⁢ Iraq and the UK Forge Strategic Partnership

Iraqi Prime​ Minister ‍Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on⁤ Monday that a significant “strategic partnership” will be formalized, ​heralding ⁣a fresh ​chapter ‌in the bilateral relations between Britain and Iraq ‍during his travels to London.

This forthcoming agreement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is⁤ poised to enhance collaborations in various sectors and is ⁢anticipated to represent one of the pivotal strides ⁢in‍ fostering stronger ties⁤ between the⁢ two‍ nations, Sudani conveyed to⁤ AFP⁣ while⁢ en ⁢route from Baghdad.

A ​Historic Milestone After⁢ Two ‍Decades

The timing of Sudani’s ⁢visit coincides with the⁣ more than two-decade anniversary since Britain participated ⁣in the US-led‍ invasion of Iraq. This visit ‌is expected to ​significantly advance what Sudani termed as ⁣a “historic”‌ relationship.

Strengthening Security Cooperation

During his London itinerary,‍ which also includes an audience with King Charles III, ⁤Sudani ⁢emphasized that discussions would involve creating new⁣ arrangements for bilateral security cooperation. This comes‍ at a crucial moment as Iraq prepares for changes following ⁣the anticipated⁢ conclusion of military operations by⁢ the Global Coalition against ISIS.

The United‌ States currently⁣ has approximately 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq alongside an additional 900 personnel deployed in Syria as part‌ of‌ efforts aimed at thwarting any‌ resurgence of ISIS. ‌The ⁤Biden administration has reached an⁢ agreement with Iraqi officials dictating that coalition forces ‌will ‍transition out by September; however, a total withdrawal is not on⁢ the horizon ⁢yet due to opposition ⁣from Iran-backed ‍factions within Iraq regarding American military presence.