Tugendhat visits Iraq for security talks

Security minister Tom Tugendhat has visited Iraq for talks on terrorism, serious and organised crime and narcotics.

The visit aimed to strengthen the security of the  UK, Iraq and the wider region, and build on the existing relationship between the two countries.

The minister met with prime minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani, minister for foreign affairs, Mr Fuad Hussein, and minister of interior, Lt Gen Abdul-Amir Al-Shammeri.

Tugendhat also met Iraq’s Counter Terrorism Service and discussed ways to enable greater sharing of information between countries with Iraq’s national security advisor.

The two countries are now planning to sign a memorandum of understanding to increase information sharing to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation.

Tugendhat said: "It’s great to be back in Iraq for the first time in 20 years, and to see first-hand how this country has changed.

"Iraq is a key partner in our fight against terrorism, as well as serious and organised crime. The Iraqi security forces are on the front lines of our fight against ISIS. Many of the criminal gangs who operate small boat crossings in the English Channel operate out of Iraq, which is why I’m working to with our partners in Baghdad to bring them to justice.

"I’m pleased that we will boosting our joint efforts to crack down on human trafficking, narcotics and money laundering, and strengthening our important partnership in the fight against terror."

Image by Chris McAndrew, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61331965