Bilateral relations with the Kurdistan region in Iraq

That this House applauds the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for upholding its integrity in a delicate geopolitical position through adroit management of regional and international relations; supports its efforts to improve relations with the federal government in Baghdad through fully implementing the federal constitution; believes that Kurdistan’s quest for good relations with its neighbours while freely choosing allies facilitates vital investment, trade, and capacity-building expertise; recognises that this bolsters reforms to diversify their economy, improve public services, and boost a vibrant private sector and civil society; further believes that such reforms encourage greater accountability, transparency, and participation by youth and women; proudly notes that the KRG identifies the UK as a partner of choice and commends the UK/KRG Reform Partnership to, for instance, professionalise and unify the Peshmerga; commends the Peshmerga and the KRG for successfully maintaining internal security and stability and exemplary religious moderation, tolerance and pluralism that defies extremism, which remains potent despite major territorial losses by the so-called Islamic State; agrees with the KRG that withdrawing UK, US and other troops from Iraq would be unwise and that Iraq should not be a battlefield for others; suggests that the KRG’s position and experience enables it to better interact with relevant actors to de-escalate tensions and makes the KRG a vital interlocutor for UK foreign and security policy; and urges the UK Government at the earliest opportunity to invite the KRG leadership on an official visit to meet the Prime Minister and others and consolidate these bilateral relations.