ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The British government on Thursday announced reaching a “world-first” security agreement with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, aimed at combating irregular migration and other border security concerns.

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper concluded her 3-day trip to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region on Thursday after holding a series of high-profile meetings including with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari, the Region’s President Nechirvan Barzani, and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Enhancing joint cooperation on combating illegal migration, organized crime, and drug- trafficking were highlighted during Cooper’s meetings with Kurdish and Iraqi officials.

Cooper and Shammari signed a landmark joint statement on border security which “sets out the commitments of both countries to work more closely in tackling people smuggling and bolster border security,” according to a statement from the UK Home Office.

“The statement is backed up by a wider declaration of intent to tackle serious organised crime.”

As part of the program, Cooper committed to providing up to £300,000 for training Iraqi law enforcement in border security, with focus on organized migration crime and narcotics.

The British government has also pledged £200,000 to support projects in the Kurdistan Region aimed at enhancing capabilities relating to irregular migration and border security, including setting up a new taskforce.

“£300,000 will also be allocated to capacity building in Iraq to disrupt serious organised crime, including organised immigration crime and illicit drug flows,” the statement added.

They also signed a joint statement for further work to ensure the swift return of “people who have no right to be in the UK,” while reaffirming commitment to international law and protecting human rights.

The statement added reaching agreements to launch communication campaigns in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, seeking to “counter disinformation spread by criminal gangs and stop people making the dangerous journey, including telling the real stories of people who have fallen victim to people smuggling gangs.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this month vowed that his government will confront “vile” human traffickers smuggling migrants across the English Channel, 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 UK and Europe, with a large number of them coming from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

“Smuggling networks operating out of Iraq, including the KRI [Kurdistan Region of Iraq], and Europe have been responsible for trafficking thousands of people across the globe, including across the Channel to the UK, undermining border security and putting lives at risk,” read the Home Office statement on Thursday.

Over 57 have reportedly lost their lives 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.