Prime Minister Receives High-Level European Delegation to Discuss Ways to Enhance Cooperation in Security and Combating Illegal Migration

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani received today, Friday, a high-level diplomatic delegation representing the European Union, headed by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at the Prime Minister's headquarters in the capital Baghdad. The discussions focused on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, in addition to coordinating joint efforts to address the phenomenon of illegal migration across Iraqi borders. Al-Sudani affirmed during the meeting Iraq's keenness to strengthen its strategic relations with EU countries, stressing that Iraq's stability constitutes the cornerstone of security and stability in the entire region. For its part, the European delegation praised the tangible progress achieved by Iraqi security forces in securing borders and pursuing dormant terrorist cells. The two sides reached an agreement to hold an international joint conference in the Belgian capital Brussels next June, aimed at mobilizing financial support for reconstruction programs in liberated areas. They also discussed the possibility of facilitating entry visa procedures for Iraqis wishing to travel to EU countries for education, tourism, and medical treatment purposes. The joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting affirmed the importance of continuing the constructive strategic dialogue between Baghdad and Brussels.