Iraq’s PM Al-Sudani and South Korean defense minister discuss arms cooperation

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Wednesday met with South Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back and his delegation in Baghdad, stressing Iraq’s interest in strengthening defense ties.

Al-Sudani “reaffirmed Iraq’s keenness to develop cooperation, especially in the field of armament,” his office said, noting that the government has “a clear plan and program in this regard.” He highlighted the importance of adopting “the latest defense technologies, particularly in air defense systems.”

The prime minister also praised Seoul’s past support, including during Iraq’s fight against terrorism, and called for more Korean companies to expand operations in Iraq.

Iraq’s military said the South Korean KM-SAM air defense system will enter service early next year as part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s defenses amid growing regional tensions.  The KM-SAM, also known as “Cheongung,” is designed to intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles.

Calls to strengthen Iraq’s defenses grew after June’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, when both sides reportedly used Iraqi airspace. Iraq later lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing Israel of violating its sovereignty.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Ahn Gyu-back, along with his accompanying delegation that included the Minister of Defense Acquisition Programs Administration, Mr. Seok Jong-gun, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Iraq.

The Prime Minister congratulated the visiting delegation on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Korea and the anniversary of the founding of the Korean Army. He emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and advancing them to higher levels of development, particularly through the exchange of official visits and preparations to resume the meetings of the Joint Committee between the two countries in the near future.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s keenness to develop cooperation, especially in the field of armament, noting that the government has a clear plan and program in this regard, with defined priorities under the agreements signed between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of advancing this cooperation through the adoption of the latest defense technologies, particularly in air defense systems.

His Excellency also praised the Republic of Korea’s supportive stances toward Iraq during various stages, including its fight against terrorism. He affirmed that bilateral relations should be comprehensive, particularly in light of Iraq’s ongoing development and reconstruction campaigns, expressing hope for an increase in the number of reputable Korean companies operating across Iraq in various sectors.

For his part, the visiting minister conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic of Korea to Prime Minister Al-Sudani and expressed his country’s desire to further enhance cooperation. He confirmed continued coordination to deliver Iraq the air defense systems early next year, in line with the government’s strategic vision, including Iraq’s Vision 2050 and the Development Road project. He noted that these efforts have left a positive and significant impression in the Republic of Korea and among many countries worldwide regarding Iraq’s progress and prosperity.