Iraq has signed a contract with a South Korean company to purchase two firefighting aircraft, according to state media reports on Sunday.

The agreement includes provisions for training Iraqi pilots, technicians, and engineers to operate the aircraft, which are capable of carrying approximately 3,000 liters of water, an interior ministry statement revealed.

Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul-Amir al-Shammari hailed the signing as a "historic step" toward enhancing the ministry’s aviation directorate and strengthening bilateral ties between Iraq and South Korea.

Strengthening Iraq-South Korea Relations

South Korea's diplomatic relations with Iraq date back to the 1980s. After the 2003 U.S. invasion, South Korea deployed troops, known as the Zaytun Division, to support the Kurdistan Region in Erbil. Additionally, South Korean forces have participated in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS).

Several South Korean companies maintain a significant presence in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, including major brands such as LG Electronics, Hyundai, and Kia Motors.

Diplomatic and Humanitarian Efforts

In 2016, South Korea upgraded its diplomatic representation in the Kurdistan Region by establishing a consulate, expanding its previous embassy office. Since 2015, South Korea has also provided humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in the Kurdistan Region.

The latest contract underscores the deepening partnership between the two nations and highlights South Korea's ongoing involvement in Iraq’s reconstruction and development efforts.