ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday held talks with Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social sectors.
During the meeting, the two presidents reviewed the overall state of Pakistan-Iraq relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum generated by recent high-level engagements, including the 9th session of Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary exchanges. They agreed to enhance coordination at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on matters of mutual interest. President Zardari underscored that existing levels of bilateral trade did not reflect the true potential of relations between the two countries. He highlighted opportunities for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, defence production, information technology, construction and pharmaceuticals, and stressed the need for business-to-business contacts, exchange of trade delegations and establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate commercial activity.
The president reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development through the provision of skilled and semi-skilled manpower under an existing memorandum of understanding. He also highlighted Pakistan’s expertise in medical services, financial management and digital governance, offering technical assistance, including in secure data management, to support institutional capacity-building in Iraq.
On religious tourism, President Zardari called for improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for early finalisation and implementation of the proposed memorandum of understanding on Zaireen Management to ensure orderly travel and resolve longstanding issues. He also conveyed Pakistan’s resolve to work with the Iraqi government to curb illegal entry and overstay by Pakistani nationals in violation of Iraqi laws.
President Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and extended 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 Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.
Earlier, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at the Baghdad Palace, where an official welcome ceremony was held, followed by a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks. Iraqi President Rashid also hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting president and his delegation. President Zardari thanked the Iraqi leadership and people for the warm reception and described Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilisation and resilience.
The Iraqi president appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity within the Islamic Ummah and acknowledged its longstanding support for the Palestinian people.
President Zardari was accompanied by Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Provincial Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, former Senate chairman Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq.
