BAGHDAD, Iraq: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation with Iraq in accordance with evolving security challenges.
President Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with Iraq’s Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in Baghdad and discussed practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation, according to an official statement on Monday.
The President emphasised that Pakistan values its long-standing and brotherly relationship with Iraq and remains committed to working closely to expand bilateral cooperation through structured and results-oriented mechanisms.
He identified key areas of priority cooperation, including information technology, agriculture and food security, construction, pharmaceuticals, and medicines.
He also stressed the need for establishing direct banking channels to facilitate trade, business interaction, and the movement of pilgrims. Both sides agreed on the importance of regular high-level exchanges to further strengthen bilateral engagement.
President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s participation in major trade and health exhibitions in Baghdad, describing these engagements as an important step toward sustained business-to-business connectivity.
He encouraged closer coordination between chambers of commerce and private-sector stakeholders of both countries through regular exchanges and virtual interactions.
Expressing satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral defence relations, the President noted ongoing training programmes and the successful completion of defence-related deliveries.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to further strengthen defence cooperation in line with Iraq’s requirements and evolving security needs.
The President also underscored Pakistan’s capacity to support Iraq’s reconstruction efforts by providing skilled manpower, medical professionals, and technical expertise in areas such as financial services and digital governance.
He referred to the existing manpower transmission framework as a key mechanism for ensuring structured and welfare-oriented deployment.
Issues concerning Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq were discussed in detail. The President called for the early finalisation of a memorandum of understanding on Pilgrims Management and urged improved facilitation at immigration points, greater flexibility in emergency travel cases, and measures to address the difficulties faced by genuine pilgrims.
The Iraqi Caretaker Prime Minister welcomed Pakistan’s proposals and appreciated its continued support.
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.
