Deputy PM, Defence Adviser Reaffirm Military Cooperation Between UK and Kurdistan Region

Deputy PM’s media office

Deputy PM Receives a Senior Military Delegation from UK.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani welcomed a senior British military delegation led by Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, the UK’s Defence Senior Adviser to the Middle East and North Africa, for a meeting held in Erbil on Wednesday, 30 July 2025. Discussions focused on bilateral relations and the latest political and security developments in Iraq and the wider region.

The meeting was attended by Shorsh Ismail, Minister of Peshmerga, and included an exchange of views on the regional security landscape. Both parties agreed that the Iraqi federal government had taken a constructive and measured approach during recent tensions, and they emphasised the importance of maintaining this policy going forward. It was stressed that all sides should act with caution and responsibility to safeguard Iraq’s stability and prevent further escalation.

Addressing the issue of drone attacks and the targeting of the Kurdistan Region’s economic infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani acknowledged that while positive strides have been made toward stabilising Iraq, the recurrence of such attacks poses a serious threat to both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole. He expressed hope that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice.

Another key topic was the enhancement of cooperation between Kurdistan Region and Iraqi security forces in partnership with the UK. The British delegation reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the Kurdistan Region as a partner and ally, expressing their intention to further deepen ties—particularly through military advisory support and advanced training for the Peshmerga and security forces.



PUKMEDIA