PM Sudani talks advancing ties with Spain’s Sanchez

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Thursday discussed advancing bilateral ties with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez in Madrid. 

“The meeting discussed prospects for cooperation between Iraq and Spain across various fields and addressed key issues based on the deep bilateral relations marked by a history of collaboration,” said a statement from Sudani’s office.

It came eleven months after Sanchez’s visit to Baghdad, where he reaffirmed Madrid’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty and security. 

During the meeting, Sudani praised Spain’s position as one that “encourages the Iraqi government to establish a comprehensive and promising partnership” while lauding its stance on the Palestinian cause, with Madrid having recognized a Palestinian state and routinely calling for an end to the war in Gaza and Lebanon. 

Iraq and Spain have shared diplomatic ties since 1946, and a Spanish embassy in Baghdad was established in 1955. The European country has been a member of the US-led global coalition since 2015, providing support to Iraqi armed forces, at the request of the Iraqi government.

Last month, Sudani offered assistance and condolences to Sanchez after flash floods in eastern Spain left hundreds dead and many in need of humanitarian assistance.