Iraq, Kazakhstan near deal on prisoner transfer and judicial cooperation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Justice Minister Khalid Shwani met on Wednesday with Kazakh Ambassador Tolet Shaldynbay to discuss finalizing a memorandum of understanding on prisoner transfers and judicial and legal cooperation between the two countries. The Iraqi Justice Ministry said the talks focused on completing the draft agreement, which would establish a framework for transferring sentenced individuals and expanding cooperation in judicial and legal fields. Shwani told the ambassador that Iraq places importance on broadening judicial and legal partnerships with friendly countries and on strengthening national alliances, according to the ministry statement. He described the planned agreements as a step toward reinforcing joint cooperation and sharing expertise between the two justice systems. Shaldynbay said Kazakhstan seeks to deepen its bilateral ties with Iraq, particularly in judicial and legal areas. He said the proposed memorandum would create a legal basis for joint work and strengthen relations between the two peoples. No further details on the signing timeline or specific provisions were immediately available.