President Zardari calls for expanding Pakistan-Iraq trade, investment ties

Noting that current level of bilateral trade does not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq economic, cultural and security relations, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday 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.

These views were expressed at a meeting between President Zardari and his Iraqi counterpart Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in Baghdad.

During the meeting, Pakistan and Iraq expressed their resolve to fight extremism, terrorism and narco trade and enhance bilateral cooperation.

Upon arrival at the Baghdad Palace, the Pakistani president was accorded 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 Dr Abdul Latif also hosted a lunch in honour of President Zardari and his accompanying 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 civilisation and resilience.

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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. 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 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.

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

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social domains, and agreed to maintain close coordination at regional and multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the OIC, on issues of mutual interest.

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

President Zardari arrived in Baghdad on Sunday on a four-day official visit to Iraq aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors, the President’s Office said.

The president was received on arrival by Iraq’s Minister for Culture, Dr Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani.

According to a Foreign Office statement, President Zardari will hold high-level meetings with senior Iraqi leadership to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties and explore ways to enhance cooperation in areas including trade and investment, energy, reconstruction, manpower, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The talks are also expected to cover regional and international developments, as well as collaboration at multilateral forums.

The visit is expected to further reinforce traditionally cordial Pakistan-Iraq relations and identify new avenues for partnership, particularly in religious tourism and economic cooperation.

The Foreign Office said the visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with Iraq and its commitment to developing a forward-looking and results-oriented partnership that supports Iraq’s stability and development, while contributing to regional peace and prosperity.