Iraqi bankers wrap up two-day London financial cooperation visit

BAGHDAD, Iraq — LONDON — A delegation of Iraqi banking sector representatives completed a two-day visit to London on Tuesday, returning to Baghdad, according to Wadi al-Handal, head of the Iraqi Private Banks Association. The delegation included officials from the Iraqi government, the Central Bank of Iraq and the private banking sector. The visit was organized by the association in coordination with the UK Foreign Office and in cooperation with the law firm Hogan Lovells. Participants held meetings with British and European bank officials, including a session at Chatham House. Discussions covered financial partnership opportunities, the integration of private banks into the global banking system, and Iraq's ongoing fiscal reforms. Delegates also reviewed steps to modernize the economy and create a stable environment for investment. Al-Handal said the visit aimed to strengthen economic and financial ties between Iraq and the United Kingdom. No further details on specific agreements or follow-up steps were immediately available.