Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Sunday that Iraq’s decision to take custody of ISIS prisoners from Syria is aimed at safeguarding both regional and international security.

According to a statement from his media office, “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received Finnish Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen and her accompanying delegation.” The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the upcoming Iraqi-Finnish Joint Committee session, which is expected to expand cooperation in economic, technological, and developmental sectors.

Al-Sudani invited Finnish companies to invest in Iraq’s reconstruction efforts, highlighting opportunities in infrastructure and sustainable development. He also emphasized the importance of security cooperation, including police training and the exchange of information and modern techniques.

On the sensitive issue of ISIS detainees, the Prime Minister stressed that transferring prisoners from Syria to Iraq was a sovereign decision: “This move is intended to preserve regional and international security.” He urged the international community to take responsibility for repatriating foreign ISIS members and ensuring they face justice.

For her part, Minister Rantanen expressed appreciation for Iraq’s partnership and reaffirmed Finland’s interest in deepening cooperation, saying her country is ready to explore new avenues of engagement in areas of mutual interest.