UK, Kurdistan Region strengthen security cooperation during Home Secretary’s visit
During her three-day visit, Cooper engaged in high-level discussions with officials from both the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper concluded her first official visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with agreements aimed at enhancing security collaboration and tackling shared threats, according to a press release from the UK consulate in Erbil.
During her three-day visit, Cooper engaged in high-level discussions with officials from both the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), focusing on key areas such as combating organized crime and strengthening border security.
The UK and KRG have committed to launching joint communication campaigns designed to combat misinformation spread by human traffickers. These initiatives will address the false promises often propagated online by criminal networks, aiming to deter individuals from undertaking dangerous migration journeys. The campaigns will include real-life accounts of people victimized by smuggling operations, highlighting the risks involved.
Additionally, the UK announced funding for a border security project in the Kurdistan Region to bolster its capabilities in safeguarding its borders and saving lives.
“I want to thank my hosts for their hospitality. This is an important new partnership between the UK Government, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to build security and keep people safe,” Home Secretary Cooper said.
This visit marks the first by a UK Cabinet member to Iraq since 2021, underscoring the UK’s enduring commitment to stability and development in the region. The trip included meetings with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, and Minister of Interior Rebar Ahmed.
Accompanied by the UK Government’s Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, Cooper’s visit highlighted the UK’s ongoing dedication to strengthening its partnership with the Kurdistan Region, building on decades of cooperation and shared objectives.