Baghdad: The judiciary has taken a significant step in fostering international judicial collaboration, signing a strategic cooperation agreement with the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, Eurojust, at the agency’s headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the agreement was formalized between the National Center for International Judicial Cooperation and Eurojust. Representing the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Ali Hussein Jafat signed on behalf of Iraq, while Michael Schmid, Head of Eurojust, signed for the European side. The ceremony was attended by prominent judicial and diplomatic figures, highlighting the importance of the agreement.

Judge Ali Hussein Jafat remarked that the agreement marks a pivotal achievement in strengthening judicial cooperation between Iraq and the EU member states. He highlighted the agreement’s emphasis on mutual trust and commitment to combating terrorism, organized crime, and international crimes. The agreement aims to establish the principle of no impunity and develop joint action mechanisms, particularly concerning extradition requests.

Michael Schmid, head of Eurojust, lauded the close partnership with the National Center, stating that combating organized and transnational crimes requires collaborative efforts. He emphasized that the rapid exchange of information and judicial coordination are crucial for successful investigations and prosecutions.

The agreement signifies Iraq’s position as the tenth country outside the EU to partner with the European Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation. This development underscores the strategic vision of the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faiq Zaidan, to expand partnerships with international judicial institutions. The agreement is expected to enhance information exchange, support the prosecution and extradition of accused individuals, and streamline legal cooperation procedures with international partners.