Pakistan, Iraq pledge to fight extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking, intensify bilateral cooperation

Pakistan and Iraq have pledged to intensify joint efforts against extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking, signaling a renewed focus on security cooperation between the two countries.

The commitment was made during high-level talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in Baghdad on Sunday.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm 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 Presidential Secretariat’s Media Wing.

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

“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 statement said.

Noting that the current levels of bilateral trade did not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq relations, Zardari highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and defense production. He also pointed to perspectives in information technology, construction, pharmaceutical and related industries and stressed the need for stronger business-to-business engagement.

President Zardari emphasized the importance of mutual business delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate trade and commercial activity.

He 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 on the transfer of manpower.

President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s capabilities in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance and expressed readiness to share technical experiences, including secure data management, to support institutional capacity building in Iraq.

The President also requested enhanced facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for an early completion and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management. He expressed a firm resolve to work with the Iraqi government to stop the illegal entry and stay of Pakistani nationals who violate Iraqi law.

Both presidents agreed to strengthen cooperation to fight extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking, the statement said. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social sectors and to maintain close coordination in regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in uniting the Islamic ummah and its historic support to the Palestinian people.

Earlier, Zardari was accorded a guard of honor on arrival at the palace, followed by a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks. President Rashid also hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting Pakistani leader and his delegation.

Expressing his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leadership and people, President Zardari described Baghdad as a historic city that symbolizes civilization and resilience.

Several senior Pakistani political leaders and officials, including senators, provincial ministers and Pakistan’s ambassador to Iraq, accompanied the president.