The United Kingdom and Iraq have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations affirming joint commitment to work together for shared regional and global interests, the Foreign Office declared in a freshly released statement. It said the agreement came during the second Strategic Dialogue (held July 3-4), comprising senior officials from the two countries, namely the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and James Cleverly, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The ministers agreed to develop and further cooperation on a wide range of sectors, including economic reforms where both sides welcomed the government of Iraq's ambitious economic reform agenda — and agreed on the necessity of rapidly delivering non-oil growth, private sector job creation and improving access to finance. They agreed on the importance of Iraq swiftly completing its accession to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development in 2023, and continuing to work closely with the International Monetary Fund on a long-term program to support Iraq, as well as joining other international finance institutions, such as the European Investment Bank. The UK committed to share expertise through government-to-government exchanges; and provide bilateral support and technical assistance to deliver economic reform in key areas such as building economic capacity, diversifying government revenue sources and improving access to finance, and facilitating Iraq's accession to the WTO. Hussein also met leading UK businesses to identify new commercial opportunities. On climate and environment, both sides welcomed the UK's support in further developing and strengthening Iraq's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The NDC a document contains Iraq's supreme policy in dealing with the problem of climate change, addressing issues related to climate change, water resources. agriculture, health, natural systems and forests, coastal areas and sea level rise, sewage and waste sector. According to the statement, the UK outlined technical assistance opportunities, including a program with the UK Met Office to support Iraq's capacity to prepare for and respond to sand and dust storms. On defense and security, the ministers agreed on the importance of continuing to "remove the space for Daesh (the so-called Islamic State) to operate in Iraq and welcomed the commitment of both the UK and Iraq to support the Global Coalition Against Daesh. They also welcomed the government of Iraq's commitment to protect the Coalition sites and diplomatic premises in Iraq. Recognizing modern cyber threats, both sides agreed to deepen engagement on cyber security, including through the UK's support of the newly established Cyber Security Directorate within the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. The Iraqi and British ministers discussed the shared challenges that the UK and Iraq face in tackling serious organized crime and the drivers of migration. The UK will bolster its support to strengthen Iraq's borders through mutually agreed programs. Regarding bilateral and regional politics, they welcomed efforts by the government of Iraq to further build relations with the region in the pursuit of stability and cooperation, including through the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership. The UK welcomed efforts to connect Iraq to the GCC's power grid and establish greater energy connections with the region. Hussein also "spoke of Iraq's role in the framework of promoting regional stability and bringing views close together between countries of the region, especially Saudi Arabia and Iran, and Iraq's willingness to continue making efforts to decrease tensions in the region." The Iraqi foreign minister also met with Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, discussing the UK's ongoing support to Iraq in strengthening its security, the importance of the rehabilitation and reintegration of Iraqis returning from northeast Syria's (Rojava) Al-Hol camp, and both sides' commitment to the US-led global coalition Daesh. The UK-Iraq strategic dialogue aims to build on the Strategic Partnership signed between the countries in 2021. The next strategic dialogue is set to be held in Baghdad in 2024. Iraq is among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including water and food insecurity, according to the United Nations. It is facing a severe water shortage because of reduced precipitation, higher temperatures, and waste and mismanagement. — Agencies
