Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom meets Sir Oliver Robbins at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

The Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom, Dr Salih Al-Tamimi, met with Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, at the Department’s headquarters in London. The meeting addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.

At the outset of the meeting, Sir Oliver welcomed the Ambassador and wished him success in his duties, particularly following the presentation of his credentials to King Charles III.

The Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the warm reception, reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the United Kingdom and to continuing coordination and consultation on issues of shared concern. He also outlined Iraq’s position on ongoing regional developments and the current conflict, emphasising the importance of achieving a ceasefire and pursuing dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve disputes in a manner that contributes to strengthening security and stability.

The Ambassador further underscored Iraq’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and its rejection of the use of its territory or airspace for any hostile acts. He also reiterated Iraq’s obligation to protect diplomatic missions operating within its territory in accordance with international conventions.

The meeting also covered recent political and security developments in Iraq, highlighting the importance of international support for Iraq’s democratic process, as well as respect for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and cooperation in addressing current security challenges. These include a condemned attack targeting Iraqi military units, which resulted in a number of fatalities and injuries among personnel of the Iraqi Army.

Both sides discussed the role of international partners, particularly the United Kingdom, in supporting efforts aimed at ending the war and promoting dialogue in the region. Sir Oliver reviewed his country’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, conducted in consultation with all parties, to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of continuing coordination and consultation in a manner that serves mutual interests and enhances regional and international security and stability.

The meeting was attended by Mr Ahmed Mahdi Salih, Counsellor in the Political Section of the Embassy, and Mr Shahen Dalia, Head of the Iraq Team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.