HEREFORDSHIRE MEP James Carver joined an EU delegation to Iraq and Oman to discuss strengthening their international relationships with the west.

During the fact-finding mission to foster improved relations with Iraq, just a few days before Christmas, Mr Carver re-assured government leaders that Brexit would not impact on the UK’s relationship with their country.

The eight-strong delegation of MEPs had talks with politicians and diplomats in Baghdad, including Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi over two days.

Mr Carver, an independent Euro MP for the West Midlands, said: “I was able to reiterate that the UK, outside the European Union, will continue to work for stronger, deeper, broader relations with Iraq, supporting the Iraqi people and government as they build a stable, prosperous and democratic nation and increasing UK-Iraq trade and investment.”

The MEPs then met Omani leaders in Muscat, where Mr Carver was able to deliver the same message of continued support.

“Oman has been, and will remain, one of the UK’s closest allies in the Arabian Gulf, being an important trading and strategic partner,” he added.