Pakistan and Iraq have expressed their resolve to fight extremism, terrorism and narcotics trade while enhancing bilateral cooperation.

President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on a five-day visit to Iraq, met on Sunday with Iraq President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at Baghdad Palace.

Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections and expressed best wishes for the smooth formation of the new government.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social domains.

They agreed to maintain a close coordination at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on issues of mutual interest.

“Both leaders reviewed the state of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges, including the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary interactions,” the press release said.

Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.

The president noted that current levels of bilateral trade did not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq economic, cultural and security relations and highlighted opportunities for expanding trade, investment, agriculture and defence production sectors besides information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and related industries.

He also underscored the importance of business-to-business engagement, reciprocal business delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate trade and commercial activity.

President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development efforts through the provision of skilled and semi-skilled manpower under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on manpower transmission.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s capacity in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, and expressed readiness to share technical experience, including in secure data management, to support institutional capacity-building in Iraq.

The president also requested for improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for early finalization and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management, aimed at ensuring orderly travel and addressing longstanding issues related to religious visits.

He also expressed his firm resolve to work with the Iraqi government to stop illegal entry and overstay of those Pakistanis who violate Iraqi law.

The Iraqi president appreciated Pakistan’s role in uniting Islamic Ummah and the historical support to the people of Palestine.

Earlier, upon arrival at the palace, President Asif Ali Zardari received a guard of honour.

An official welcoming ceremony was held, followed by a one-on-one meeting between the two presidents and delegation-level talks.

President Rashid also hosted a lunch in honour of Zardari and his delegation.

The president expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leadership and people and described Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilization and resilience.

Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, former Senate Chairman Nayyer Bukhari and Pakistan ambassador to Iraq are part of the presidential delegation.

Solidarity with Iran

Zardari also expressed solidarity with the brotherly Islamic country Iran during his flight to Iraq.

According to the President House, when the president’s plane entered Iranian airspace while en route from Islamabad to Baghdad, he sent a message of goodwill to the Iranian leadership—the Iranian supreme leader and the president.

Zardari stressed the need for mutual respect and promotion of relations in the region.

The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam later warmly welcomed the gesture, describing it as a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship, mutual respect and solidarity between the two brotherly countries.

With input from APP