Defence Secretary Des Browne has met the Iraqi prime minister Nouri Maliki during a visit to Baghdad.
He is also planning to meet the Iraqi foreign minister, as well as coalition and Iraqi army officers.
He visited Basra on Wednesday when Iraq announced its forces will take control of Basra province in December.
Since the end of the war in April 2003, UK troops have been helping to restore essential infrastructure and services and provide security in Basra.
Following December's formal handover ceremony, UK troops intend to continue working with the Iraqi Security Forces.
In a joint statement with Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Mr Browne said: "The transition of Basra does not signal the end of our commitment to the people of Iraq.
"It now enters a new stage. We will continue to train and mentor the Iraqi Security Forces and we will protect the border and supply routes, while retaining the capability to support the Iraqis directly if so requested."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced earlier in October that British troop numbers in Iraq would be reduced to 2,500 next spring from the current 5,500.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~11~RS~)