Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani arrived in Prague on February 13 for official talks focused on military cooperation and economic partnerships, the official channel of the premiership reported.

The visit, which included a formal welcoming ceremony with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, comes as Iraq navigates significant regional transformations, including recent developments in Syria and evolving security dynamics in the Middle East. 

Defence cooperation is expected to feature prominently in discussions as Iraq works to reduce its heavy dependence on US military equipment, which currently accounts for over 70% of its arsenal. This diversification effort follows Baghdad's recent $2.56bn deal with South Korea for medium-range surface-to-air missiles in October 2024.

The Prague visit follows Al-Sudani's recent diplomatic engagements, including January meetings in London, where security and trade agreements were signed, and talks in Tehran with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

During his Czech visit, the Prime Minister will meet with both the Czech President and Prime Minister, with several memoranda of understanding expected to be signed. The agenda includes meetings with Czech companies and the Iraqi community in the Czech Republic.

The timing of this visit reflects Iraq's broader strategy of expanding international partnerships beyond traditional allies as the country expects remaining US troops to leave the country in the coming months as part of President Donald Trump’s pull-back from international obligations.

This approach has gained urgency as Baghdad seeks to maintain strategic autonomy while balancing relationships with regional and global powers in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

In the prior UK deal projects included a GBP5.3bn comprehensive water infrastructure programme to improve irrigation and clean water supply in southern and western Iraq, a GBP3.3bn water treatment project in Basra serving three million people, and a GBP1.2bn power grid interconnection between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

On security cooperation, both leaders signed a joint defence statement marking a decade since the Global Coalition's mission in Iraq. They also agreed to negotiate a specific migrant returns agreement and enhance border security collaboration.