Zardari meets Iraqi leaders, pledges to fight extremism, terrorism and drugs together
President Asif Ali Zardari shakes hands with his Iraqi counterpart, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, at the palace in Baghdad. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Iraq have expressed their determination to combat extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking while strengthening bilateral cooperation.
President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on a five-day visit to Iraq, met Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace on Sunday.
Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leaders and people on the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections and expressed his 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 deepen bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and social fields.
They agreed to maintain close coordination in regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on issues of mutual interest.
“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 press release said.
Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated his 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 economic, cultural and security relations between Pakistan and Iraq and highlighted opportunities for expansion in trade, investment, agriculture and defense production sectors, besides information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and allied industries.
He also highlighted the importance of business-to-business engagement, reciprocal trade delegations and the creation of direct banking channels to facilitate trade and commercial activity.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s keenness to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development efforts by providing skilled and semi-skilled manpower under the existing MoU on handover of manpower.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s capacity in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, and expressed readiness to share technical experience, particularly in 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 draft Memorandum of Understanding on the management of Zaire, aimed at ensuring orderly travel and resolving long-standing issues related to religious visits.
He also expressed his strong determination to work with the Iraqi government to end the illegal entry and overstay of Pakistanis who violate Iraqi law.
The Iraqi President appreciated Pakistan’s role in unifying the Islamic Ummah and the historic support provided to the Palestinian people.
Earlier, on his arrival at the palace, President Asif Ali Zardari was given a guard of honor.
An official welcome ceremony took place, followed by a one-on-one meeting between the two presidents and discussions at delegation level.
President Rashid also hosted a luncheon in honor of Zardari and his delegation.
The president expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leaders and people and described Baghdad as a historic city symbolizing civilization and resilience.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, former Senate President Nayyer Bukhari and Pakistan Ambassador to Iraq are part of the presidential delegation.
Solidarity with Iran
Zardari also expressed solidarity with fraternal Islamic country Iran while fleeing to Iraq.
According to the President’s House, when the president’s plane entered Iranian airspace on its way from Islamabad to Baghdad, it 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.
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 the contribution of the APP
