The Iraqi and British interior ministries announced the signing of two “important ” security agreements.
was announced by the Iraqi Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, during a joint press conference he held with the British Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who arrived in Baghdad today on an official visit .
Al-Shammari stressed, at the conference, the importance of this visit, noting that the bilateral meeting addressed the exchange of expertise and training, in addition to cooperation in the fields of combating organized crime and drugs, and scientific and intelligence cooperation to track down terrorists and wanted persons in both countries .
The Iraqi Minister explained that the visit resulted in the signing of two memoranda of understanding, the first concerning combating organized crime and border security, while the second relates to a declaration of intent agreement between the two countries, explaining that these agreements will contribute to enhancing cooperation and joint coordination between Iraq and the United Kingdom .
For her part, British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that this visit represents an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two countries .
She added that the signed agreement includes multiple areas, including joint cooperation in law enforcement, exchange of intelligence information, and combating organized crime, including drug and human trafficking, stressing that these crimes pose a serious threat to security and stability .
She also stressed the importance of strengthening border security and cooperation in combating criminal gangs, noting that cross-border work will enable the two countries to fight criminals and enhance security, which will contribute to protecting the peoples of the two countries .
She added: “Through this partnership, we will enhance the security of both countries and ensure the safety of our citizens, which is in the interests of Iraq and the United Kingdom .”
Cooper pointed out that the United Kingdom had enjoyed a strong partnership with Iraq in the past, and that this new partnership is a step towards the future, as security is the basis for economic development and future partnerships .
At the end of her speech, she stressed that she was happy to visit Iraq, which is her first international visit since assuming her position five months ago, explaining that the British ambassador informed her of the security developments in Iraq, which reflects the huge work being done by the Iraqi government to enhance security throughout the country .
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and her accompanying delegation arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, today, Tuesday, and an official reception ceremony was held in which leaders of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior participated.
