The Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in London Meets the Chair of the Defence Committee of the UK Parliament

His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom, Dr Salih Husain Ali Al-Tamimi, met with Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, Member of Parliament for the Labour Party and Chair of the Defence Committee of the UK Parliament, at the Palace of Westminster in London on 10 March 2026. The meeting was attended by Ms Michelle Scrogham MP, Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness and a member of the Defence Committee.

The meeting focused on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security and defence, in addition to an exchange of views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

At the outset of the meeting, the Ambassador expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm reception, commending the important role played by the Defence Committee of the UK Parliament in supporting and strengthening security and defence cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and the United Kingdom. His Excellency reaffirmed Iraq’s pride in its longstanding historical relationship with the United Kingdom and its keenness to further develop it across various fields, particularly in the military and security domains, in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries.

The meeting also addressed prospects for security cooperation. Both sides emphasised the importance of continuing partnership and collaboration in the fields of counter-terrorism, capacity-building and information exchange between the two countries, particularly in light of the conclusion of the mission of the International Coalition in Iraq. They also underlined the importance of resuming consultations and completing the procedures for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on counter-terrorism cooperation between the two sides, as it represents an important framework for strengthening joint efforts to confront terrorist organisations and consolidate security.

The two sides further exchanged views on regional developments and the escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the Ambassador stressing the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts and comprehensive dialogue among the parties concerned in order to promote security and stability in the region.

Mr Dhesi MP affirmed the interest of the UK Parliament in strengthening cooperation with Iraq, praising the role played by Iraq in supporting regional stability and combating terrorism.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining continued communication and coordination in order to expand the horizons of partnership and cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and the United Kingdom across various fields. The meeting was also attended by Noor Abdulzahra Mohammed, Second Secretary, Political Section.