Joint communiqué highlights key areas of collaboration between the two nations

London, 5th July 2023 - The United Kingdom and the Republic of Iraq have concluded the UK-Iraq Strategic Dialogue, held in London on 3-4 July 2023, with the signing of a joint communiqué. The high-level meeting, hosted by the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, and attended by Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Fuad Hussein, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and reaffirming the commitment to the long-term security, stability, and sovereignty of Iraq.

The Strategic Dialogue builds upon the UK-Iraq Strategic Partnership agreement signed in Baghdad in June 2021, which aimed to deepen cooperation between the two countries. It also follows a recent visit by the UK's Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Lord Ahmad, to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, earlier this year.

Economic reform emerged as a key topic during the dialogue. Both sides acknowledged the importance of building a prosperous future for the Iraqi people, with the UK reaffirming its commitment to support Iraq in its ambitious economic reform agenda. Discussions centered on delivering non-oil growth, promoting private sector job creation, and improving access to finance. The UK pledged to provide bilateral support and technical assistance in critical areas such as economic capacity building, diversifying government revenue sources, and facilitating Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Trade collaboration was also a focal point, with the sixth meeting of the UK-Iraq Trade Council convened to explore strategies for encouraging increased investment and removing barriers to trade. The intention to finalize the UK-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, along with plans to present it to their respective parliaments this year, underlined the commitment to strengthening trade relations between the two countries.

Environmental issues took center stage as the ministers discussed the importance of tackling climate change and enhancing environmental conservation. With the upcoming COP28 conference in focus, both sides emphasized the need for increased engagement and cooperation throughout 2023. The UK extended its support to Iraq in developing and strengthening its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and outlined technical assistance opportunities, including a collaboration with the UK Met Office to bolster Iraq's capacity to respond to sand and dust storms.

Addressing defense and security matters, the ministers expressed their determination to counter the threat posed by Daesh, reiterating their support for the Global Coalition Against Daesh. The commitment of both nations to protect Coalition sites and diplomatic premises within Iraq was welcomed. Discussions also emphasized the rehabilitation and reintegration of displaced Iraqi citizens, with a specific focus on those returning from the Al-Hol camp in Syria. The ministers underscored the importance of international coordination to support durable solutions for camp residents.

Cybersecurity emerged as a modern threat, prompting both sides to agree on deepening engagement in this domain. The UK pledged its support to the newly established Cyber Security Directorate within the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

Migration and serious organized crime were also areas of discussion, with the ministers acknowledging shared challenges faced by the UK and Iraq. They explored avenues for further cooperation to ensure safe and legal migration, including measures to address the drivers of illegal migration and establish robust processes for migration cooperation. The UK committed to bolster support for strengthening Iraq's borders through mutually agreed programs.

The importance of developing Iraq's health sector was highlighted during the dialogue. The UK welcomed the ongoing £35 million Demographic Transition program, which aims to support the Iraqi government in delivering family planning and sexual reproductive health services in accordance with Iraqi regulations.

Human rights cooperation and support for women and girls, particularly survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, were

also discussed during the Strategic Dialogue. The ministers emphasized the need to continue cooperation on human rights and the support for women and girls, particularly those who are survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. The UK welcomed the efforts made by the Government of Iraq in implementing the Yazidi Survivors' Law and supporting the launch of the reparations applications process, which has already benefited over 800 women and girls. Both sides also highlighted the importance of providing mental health and psychosocial support services and discussed the need to support children born of conflict-related sexual violence. Iraq agreed to consider making voluntary commitments under the Platform for Action on Promoting the Rights and Wellbeing of Children born of conflict-related sexual violence.

Bilateral and regional politics were also part of the discussions, with both nations welcoming Iraq's efforts to strengthen relations with the region, promoting stability and cooperation. The UK commended Iraq's endeavors to connect to the Gulf Cooperation Council's power grid and establish greater energy connections with the region.

Looking ahead, both sides expressed their anticipation for the next Strategic Dialogue, which is planned to take place in 2024 in Baghdad. They emphasized the importance of reviewing and assessing the progress made in the various areas of cooperation discussed during this dialogue.

The UK-Iraq Strategic Dialogue showcased the commitment of both nations to deepening their bilateral relationship and working together towards shared regional and global interests. It laid the foundation for enhanced collaboration in economic reform, trade, climate and environment, defense and security, migration and organized crime, health, human rights, and political cooperation. The dialogue highlighted the mutual understanding and determination to strengthen the long-term security, stability, and sovereignty of Iraq while promoting prosperity and cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Iraq.