Iraqi interior minister meets British counterpart, signing security cooperation agreement

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari and his British counterpart, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, signed a security cooperation agreement on Tuesday to bolster joint efforts in combating drug trafficking and transnational crime.

According to a statement released by the Iraqi Interior Ministry’s media office, the two officials met for an extensive discussion in Baghdad, culminating in the signing of the memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing collaboration between the Iraqi and British Interior Ministries.

“Minister of Interior Abdul Amir al-Shammari held a wide-ranging meeting with his British counterpart, Yvette Cooper, during which they signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts against drug-related crimes and cross-border criminal activities,” the statement said.

The British home secretary toured several key facilities during her visit. She was briefed on the Rapid Response Center, where she observed its operations and received an overview of the unit’s role within Iraq’s Ministry of Interior.

The Rapid Response Center is a unified emergency hotline launched by Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to streamline access to security services. Designed to replace multiple contact numbers for various departments—such as police, intelligence, and counter-crime units—the 911 hotline aims to simplify communication, enhance response efficiency, and ensure swift assistance for citizens during emergencies.

The visit also included stops at the Human Trafficking Directorate, where Cooper was informed about the department’s primary tasks in combating human trafficking, and the Digital Data Center, where she reviewed its responsibilities and service contributions.

Additionally, Cooper visited the Police Academy to gain insights into the training curriculum for Iraqi police officers. “The British [secretary] reviewed the training programs offered at the Police Academy to understand the mechanisms for preparing Iraq’s police force,” the statement added.

Earlier in the day, Al-Shammari formally welcomed Cooper and her delegation to the Interior Ministry headquarters. The ministry noted in a statement that “official reception ceremonies were held, attended by key leaders from the Interior Ministry.”

Cooper also met Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani today.