King Charles held an audience with Iraq's prime minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani at Buckingham Palace today, as the royal returns to work amid ongoing cancer treatment. The monarch, 76, greeted Al-Sudani, 54, on Tuesday - ahead of the Iraqi PM's meeting with Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday.
![[The monarch, 76, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, greeted Al-Sudani, 54, ahead of the Iraqi PM's meeting with Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday.]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/13/94076013-0-image-a-28_1736861686346.jpg)
The prime ministers are expected to sign a new bilateral security deal and strategic partnership accord during a landmark visit aimed at strengthening ties between Iraq and Britain - against the backdrop of seismic shifts in the Middle East. Writing about his visit to the UK in The Telegraph, Al-Sudani described his meeting with Charles as one of 'symbolic significance'.
![[The King's audience with the Iraqi prime minister comes after Buckingham Palace confirmed Charles will visit Poland to attend commemoration events for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz later this month]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/13/94075977-14283469-image-a-29_1736861753921.jpg)
'it underscores the enduring historical ties between our two countries and highlights the importance we place on deepening dialogue and coordination on issues of security, stability and development in our region,' the politician, who came to power in 2022, added.
![[As revealed by the Mail on Sunday earlier this month, today’s visit is one of a small number of engagements Catherine will undertake this year as part of a deliberately slow and measured return to duties. She opted for an elegant all-red ensemble]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/13/94076179-14283469-As_revealed_by_the_Mail_on_Sunday_earlier_this_month_today_s_vis-a-30_1736861951755.jpg)
Following his visit to Buckingham Palace, Al-Sudani is expected to travel to Downing Street for his meeting with Starmer later on Tueday. The King's audience with the Iraqi prime minister comes after Buckingham Palace confirmed Charles will visit Poland to attend commemoration events for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz later this month.
Charles, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer last year, will attend a service on January 27 and meet with members of the local community in Krakow. King Charles held an audience with Iraq 's prime minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani at Buckingham Palace today.
