KEY POINTS
- The two Presidents focus on expanding trade and investment
- Agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts
- Pakistan offers support to Iraq in reconstruction, manpower and digital governance
- Emphasis on improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims to Iraq
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq have underscored their commitment to strengthening cooperation across political, economic, and social spheres, marking a renewed momentum in bilateral ties.
This came during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and his Iraqi counterpart, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, at the Baghdad Palace on Sunday, a President House statement said.
He thanked the Iraqi leadership and people for their warm hospitality and praised Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilisation and resilience.
He congratulated Iraq on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and conveyed best wishes for the smooth formation of a new government.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.
Both leaders reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum generated through recent high-level engagements, including the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary exchanges.
President Zardari noted that bilateral trade remains below its true potential and highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, defence production, information technology, construction and pharmaceuticals.
He stressed the importance of business-to-business contacts, exchange of trade delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to support Iraq’s reconstruction through the provision of skilled and semi-skilled manpower under an existing MoU, and offered Pakistan’s expertise in medical services, financial management and digital governance, including secure data systems.
The President requested for improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and urged early finalisation of the proposed MoU on pilgrim management to ensure orderly travel and resolve longstanding issues.
He also assured cooperation with Iraqi authorities to curb illegal entry and overstays by Pakistani nationals.
Both Presidents agreed to enhance cooperation against extremism, terrorism and narcotics trafficking, and to maintain close coordination at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the OIC.
President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity within the Islamic Ummah and its historical support for the Palestinian people.
Upon arrival at the Palace, President Asif Ali Zardari was accorded a guard of honour.
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Iraq on Saturday on a five-day official visit at the invitation of Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iraqi counterpart, General Abdul Ameer Al‑Shammari, had agreed to significantly strengthen coordination on security and the regulated management of Pakistani pilgrims.
Tens of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel each year to Iraq and Iran to visit some of the most revered sites in Shia Islam, including Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, as well as major religious centres in Mashhad and Qom in Iran.
Pilgrimage activity reaches its height during occasions such as Arbaeen, when millions of worshippers gather in Karbala from across the region.
