UK Views KRG as Important Partner’ UK Official

“Relations between successive British governments and the KRG have historically been very good,” stated Under-Secretary of State Clark.

Feryal Clark, UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Government. (Photo: UK GOV)
Feryal Clark, UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Government. (Photo: UK GOV)

Jan 16, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United Kingdom (UK) views Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) as an important partner, Feryal Clark, UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Government on Wednesday told Kurdistan24.

“Relations between successive British governments and the KRG have historically been very good,” stated Under-Secretary of State Clark. She added, “I have a very good relationship with representatives of the KRG in the UK.”

Clark highlighted that last year, British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited the Kurdistan Region and met with the government, demonstrating the UK government's commitment to building long-term relations with the region.

“When I was in opposition, I met with delegations from the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Ministry of Commerce,” she added.

Clark affirmed her eagerness to collaborate further with the KRG and the universities, expressing openness to any invitations or meetings.

Clark was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on July 9, 2024. She was elected as the Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Enfield North.

The relationship between the UK government and the KRG is marked by diplomatic, economic, and security collaborations. Historically, the UK has played a significant role in the region, especially after 2003 following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime, contributing to stabilization efforts in Iraq. The UK has consistently supported the KRG in its efforts to establish a semi-autonomous governance structure and develop its economic and security frameworks.