The British navy is set to return to Iraq after the country's parliament approved plans to help train the country's fledgling naval forces.

Although Iraq has successfully rebuilt its army with assistance from US training outfits, the country's navy is in great need of assistance in terms of training and capacity building.

Speaking to the Times, a spokesperson for the ministry of defence in Baghdad explained that the navy was being rebuilt from scratch, with much of its fleet destroyed during the two Gulf wars or hidden by Saddam Hussein in supportive countries prior to his deposition.

"We have not made plans to recover the ships because we are not sure they can still sail after all these years," explained the spokesperson.

The first priority of the British training team will be to help secure the country's vital oil infrastructure, as well as strengthening ports and naval yards.

This will be particularly important as the country's oil ministry has also this week struck initial deals with a number of international oil companies looking to secure a foothold in the country at the next licensing round in December.

Getenergy event for Iraq October 2009