ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region’s top leaders received a high-level British military delegation in Erbil on Thursday, discussing ways to advance bilateral relations and security cooperation as the international coalition’s mandate in Iraq nears its end.

The delegation was headed by Edward Ahlgren, the UK defense senior advisor for the Middle East and North Africa, and also included Holly Vare, the UK Consul General in Erbil.

During a meeting with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Ahlgren stressed the importance of further developing “the historic relations” between London and Erbil, as well as strengthening security cooperation, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

“Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s appreciation for the support and assistance provided by the United Kingdom and Coalition forces,” the statement added.

The delegation also met with President Masoud Barzani, whom the Ahlgren commended for his “historic and influential role in building stability and strengthening the Kurdistan Region,” read a statement by Barzani’s office.

Additionally, Ahlgren and his delegation met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, with the two sides discussing London’s security cooperation with Erbil, weapons control by the Iraqi government, steps to integrate the Peshmerga forces, and the latest security developments in the region, according to the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

The Kurdistan Region president thanked the British government for its “continued support in providing military and security training and advice to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” and stressed the need for continued coordination to combat Islamic State (ISIS) remnants.

The United Kingdom and the Kurdistan Region have shared strong relations for decades. The UK has been a key player in the US-led coalition against ISIS since 2014, providing training to Peshmerga forces in countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs), infantry tactics, and medical skills, as well as supplying military hardware.

In 1991, then-UK Prime Minister John Major played a key role in the establishment of a no-fly zone over the Kurdistan Region, which ultimately led to the development of the Region’s current autonomy. In 2021, a downtown street in the Kurdish capital of Erbil was renamed “Sir John Major St.” in honor of the former British premier.

In recent years, Erbil-London relations have evolved into combating illegal migration as well, with the UK in late 2024 pledging £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.

The anti-ISIS coalition, brought to Iraq in 2014 at the invitation of Baghdad to help repel a lightning ISIS advance across the country, is set to complete its withdrawal from all Iraqi territory by September 30, as per an agreement between Washington and Baghdad.