Iraq will always be divisive in British politics but I hope the announcement today of a new defence agreement will be widely welcomed. UK troops are leaving but we will maintain support for the Iraqi military . Today our Baghdad embassy representative signed an agreement with the Iraqi Defence Minister on future defence cooperation with Iraq. Once the agreement is ratified by both countries - hopefully later this month - the UK will provide training for the Iraqi navy around the port of Umm Qasr, as well as helping the Iraqis to protect the nearby oil platforms. We will also increase our defence section at the embassy in Baghdad, and provide training in the UK for Iraqi officers.
Engagement at economic level is growing. So is cultural and educational engagement. Now the military relationship can be put on a stable basis.
Posted at 20:57 06 June 2009 by David Miliband | Comments[4]
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Posted by James P. Miller on June 07, 2009 at 02:57 AM BST #
Posted by Slightly Optimistic on June 07, 2009 at 12:33 PM BST #
Posted by sercan on June 09, 2009 at 10:43 AM BST #
Posted by Colvin Osborn on July 31, 2009 at 11:12 PM BST #