President Zardari calls for better facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims during his meeting with Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif
President Zardari during a meeting with Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at Baghdad Palace on Sunday. Photo: PID
Pakistan and Iraq have pledged to intensify joint efforts against extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking, signaling renewed interest in security cooperation between the two countries.
The pledge was made on Sunday during high-level talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in Baghdad.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, while reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.
Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, according to a statement issued by the media wing of the President’s Secretariat.
He congratulated the Iraqi leaders and people on the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections and expressed his best wishes for the smooth formation of a new government.
“The two leaders reviewed the status of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges, including the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary interactions,” the statement said.
Zardari noted that current levels of bilateral trade did not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq relations and highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and defense production. He also discussed prospects in information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and related sectors, highlighting the need for stronger business-to-business engagement.
President Zardari highlighted the importance of reciprocal trade delegations and the creation of direct banking channels to facilitate trade and commercial activity.
He reiterated Pakistan’s keenness to support the reconstruction and development of Iraq by providing skilled and semi-skilled manpower under an existing memorandum of understanding on handover of manpower.
President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s capacity in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, and expressed readiness to share technical experience, including secure data management, to support institutional capacity building in Iraq.
The President also called for better facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for early finalization and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on the management of Zaire. He expressed his strong determination to work with the Iraqi government to end the illegal entry and overstay of Pakistani nationals who violate Iraqi law.
The two presidents agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the fight against extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking, the statement said. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and social sectors and maintaining close coordination in regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in unifying the Islamic Ummah and its historic support to the Palestinian people.
Earlier, Zardari was given a guard of honor on arrival at the palace, followed by a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level discussions. President Rashid also hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting Pakistani leader and his delegation.
President Asif Ali Zardari has arrived in Baghdad for a four-day official visit to Iraq. He was received by the Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani. During the visit, meetings with senior Iraqi leaders are expected to advance cooperation and further strengthen 🇵🇰-🇮🇶 relations. pic.twitter.com/a8coASfF5U
– The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 20, 2025
President Zardari expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leaders and people, describing Baghdad as a historic city symbolizing civilization and resilience.
Several senior Pakistani leaders and politicians, including senators, provincial ministers and Pakistan’s ambassador to Iraq, accompanied the president.
