Zardari meets Iraqi leaders and promises joint fight against extremism, terrorism and drugs
President Asif Ali Zardari shakes hands with his Iraqi colleague Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in the Baghdad Palace. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Iraq have expressed their willingness to fight extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking while strengthening bilateral cooperation.
President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on a five-day visit to Iraq, met on Sunday with Iraq’s President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in Baghdad Palace.
Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful completion 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 deepen bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social domains.
They agreed to maintain close coordination in regional and multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on issues of common 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 its commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.
The President noted that the current level of bilateral trade did not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq economic, cultural and security relations and highlighted opportunities to expand trade, investment, agriculture and defense manufacturing sectors besides information technology, construction, pharmaceutical and related industries.
He also emphasized the importance of business-to-business engagement, mutual business delegations and 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 labor under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Personnel.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s capabilities in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, and expressed readiness to share technical experiences, including in secure data management, to support institutional capacity building in Iraq.
The President also requested improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for an early finalization and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management aimed at ensuring orderly travel and addressing lingering issues related to religious visits.
He also expressed his firm resolve to work with the Iraqi government to stop the illegal entry and stay of those Pakistanis who violate Iraqi law.
The Iraqi President appreciated Pakistan’s role in uniting the Islamic Ummah and the historical support for the people of Palestine.
Earlier, on 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 honor of Zardari and his delegation.
Expressing his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leadership and people, the President described Baghdad as a historic city that symbolizes civilization and resilience.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, former Senate Chairman Nayyer Bukhari and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq are part of the President’s delegation.
Solidarity with Iran
Zardari also expressed solidarity with the brotherly Islamic country of Iran during his escape to Iraq.
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, according to the House of 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
