Iraq, Sudan move toward finalizing prisoner exchange agreement

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Justice Minister Khalid Shawani met on Thursday with Sudan's ambassador to Baghdad, Abdurrahim Sar al-Khatim, to discuss completing a bilateral prisoner exchange agreement. According to a ministry statement, the two sides agreed to conclude the deal in line with existing legal frameworks and in a way that serves their shared interests. Shawani said Iraq places importance on strengthening judicial and legal cooperation with friendly and neighboring countries through bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding. Ambassador Sar al-Khatim expressed Sudan's readiness to finalize the agreement and conveyed a congratulatory message from Sudanese Justice Minister Abdullah Mohammed Darwish following Shawani's renewal of confidence as justice minister in Iraq's current government. The ministry statement did not specify a timeline for signing the agreement or identify the prisoners covered by the prospective deal. No further details were immediately available.