KRG’s interior minister pays an official visit to the UK

News : 11/7/2023

United Kingdon, London, ww.uk.gov.krd.  At an official invitation by the British Government, Rebar Ahmed minister of the interior of the Kurdistan Regional government arrived to the United Kingdom and during his three-days visit, accompanied by Karwan Jamal Tahir, KRG High Representative to the UK, met with UK ministers, officials and the relevant departments of the British government.

At the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, he was welcomed by Lord Tariq Ahmed minister for South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, the United Nations and human rights, and the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Prevention of Sexual Violence. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom and further coordination was emphasized in order to resolve the problems between Erbil and Baghdad and maintain regional stability. On the other hand, the issues of illegal immigration and the elimination of the organised crime groups were shed light on, as well as the concerns of both sides about the attacks of militias in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region causing instability in the country.

During his official visit to the UK, Minister for interior also visited the Home Office Department and was received by the British minister for Security Tom Tugendhat. During the meeting, the two sides emphasized on strengthening mutual relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom and reiterated on the continuing cooperation and joint work to combat terrorism, organised crime, illegal immigration and drug smuggling. They exchanged views on the security situation in the region and the latest developments. Both sides emphasised on continued cooperation in order to maintain stability in the region and strengthen bilateral relations.

Later on, Rebar Ahmed met with Robert Jenrick minister for immigration and refugees. They discussed bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Britain and shed light on the obstacles that cause security and economic instability. Both sides agreed that efforts should be made to solve the root causes of the problems and solve them.

The KRG’s minister of the interior also met with Ms. Nick Nikolas the head of UK’s National Crime Agency. In the meeting the strong relationship and cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the UK were praised, especially to prevent the organised crimes. At the same time the continuation of cooperation between the two sides was reiterated to prevent the spread of the crimes in the region.

During his official visit, the Interior minister of the Kurdistan Region met with Josiah Delvis head of the Department of Women and Girls at the UK Department for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development. During the meeting discussions were held on the violence against women and girls and how to prevent these crimes. Rebar Ahmed stressed the Kurdistan Regional Government's regional plan in this regard, noting that the KRG is seriously working on this issue and that a number of laws have been passed to prevent and reduce violence against women and girls, especially violence and crimes committed online.

London
7th November 2023