ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday received the United Kingdom’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in Erbil, discussing a variety of topics, including working together to tackle illegal migration.

Cooper congratulated the Kurdish premier on the success of the October 20 parliamentary elections, highlighting the Kurdistan Region as an important ally to the UK in combating terror and security challenges, according to a statement from Barzani’s office.

Barzani also expressed his gratitude for the UK’s continued support for the Kurdistan Region, and expressed hopes to strengthen bilateral ties in all sectors.

“We agreed on the importance of promoting joint cooperation and coordination to combat illegal immigration, organized crime and drug trafficking,” the statement added.

Cooper arrived in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Tuesday and meeting with the country’s top officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari.

Shammari and Cooper signed a memorandum of understanding on joint security cooperation to enhance joint efforts on combating narcotics and cross-border criminal activities.

The British secretary arrived in Erbil on Wednesday and met with the Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, highlighting similar topics.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this month vowed to confront “vile” human traffickers smuggling migrants across the English Channel while outlining his government's approach to tackling and cracking down on illegal migration, stressing the need for a “global response” to the crucial issue.

Thousands of migrants illegally try to cross the deadly channel every year in search of a better life in the United Kingdom, with a large number of them coming from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Over 57 people have been reported died attempting to cross the Channel in 2024, the deadliest year on record for the Channel crossings.

As part of his government’s plan to tackle illegal migration, the British premier confirmed 75 million pounds in funds to bolster border security.