Baghdad: Pakistan and Iraq on Sunday agreed to strengthen joint efforts against extremism, terrorism and the illegal narcotics trade, while also expanding cooperation in trade, security and people-to-people ties.
The understanding was reached during high-level talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, marking a renewed push to deepen bilateral relations.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and stressed Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s peace, stability and democratic progress. He also congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and expressed hope for the smooth formation of a new government.
According to a statement from the President Secretariat Media Wing, both leaders reviewed the overall state of Pakistan-Iraq relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum created by recent high-level engagements, including meetings of the Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary exchanges.
Highlighting economic cooperation, President Zardari said current trade volumes do not reflect the true potential of bilateral ties. He pointed to wide-ranging opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, defence production, information technology, construction and pharmaceuticals, and called for stronger business-to-business links.
The president emphasised the need for reciprocal business delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to ease trade and commercial activity. He also reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to support Iraq’s reconstruction by providing skilled and semi-skilled manpower under an existing agreement.
Zardari further noted Pakistan’s expertise in medical services, finance and digital governance, offering technical cooperation and experience-sharing, including secure data management, to help strengthen Iraqi institutions.
Addressing religious travel, President Zardari requested improved facilities for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and urged early finalisation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management. He also assured Iraq of Pakistan’s full cooperation in preventing illegal entry and overstay by Pakistani nationals.
Both leaders agreed to enhance collaboration to counter extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking, while reaffirming their resolve to broaden cooperation across political, economic and social sectors. They also pledged close coordination at regional and international forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity within the Muslim world and acknowledged its long-standing support for the Palestinian people.
Earlier, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour on arrival at the palace. The visit included one-on-one talks, delegation level meetings and a luncheon hosted by President Rashid. Zardari thanked the Iraqi leadership and people for their warm hospitality, describing Baghdad as a historic city that symbolises civilisation and resilience.
Senior Pakistani officials, including lawmakers, provincial ministers and Pakistan’s ambassador to Iraq, accompanied the president during the visit.
