Sudani congratulates UK’s Starmer for his election victory

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Saturday congratulated Keir Starmer after his landslide election victory made him the new prime minister of the UK. 

“Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed his hope for the continuation and expansion of bilateral relations between Iraq and the United Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of productive partnerships and strengthening ties at various levels, aiming for further development and prosperity for the benefit of both friendly peoples,” read a statement from Sudani’s office. 

Labour leader Starmer on Friday became the party’s first prime minister since 2010, following an outright victory.

“Prime Minister Al-Sudani also conveyed his best wishes to the new British government for success in its mission, progress in achieving its goals, and continued support for international peace and stability,” the statement added. 

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Kurdistan Region leaders also congratulated Starmer on Friday. 

“I look forward to enduring partnership with the people and leadership of the UK,” Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said in a post on X on Friday. 

In Thursday’s election, the Labour party scored a massive win, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Labour won 412 seats in the House of Commons, a 210-seat increase from the 2019 vote, while Conservatives won 121 seats.