Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the (a) outcome was and (b) implications for bilateral relations is of his recent visit to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq; and if he will make a statement .

The Foreign Secretary's visit to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) was the first visit by a Cabinet Minister since 2017. He spoke to President Barzani about the Iraq elections in October, regional security and the threat from militia groups, security sector reform, our continued support to Iraq and the KRI in the fight against Daesh, and the importance of freedom of expression.

The UK supports a strong and successful Kurdistan Region of Iraq within a thriving Iraq. The UK looks forward to continued close engagement with the Kurdistan Regional Government as a critical, valued and longstanding partner in the region with the aim of progressing security cooperation, increasing our business links, and supporting sustainable economic reform that delivers for all Iraqis.