BAGHDAD, Sunday, December 21, 2025 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday met Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Caretaker Prime Minister of Iraq, at the Government Palace in Baghdad, where the two leaders discussed practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance priority areas of mutual interest.

President Zardari thanked the Iraqi government for the warm hospitality extended during his visit and congratulated the Iraqi people on the successful completion of the parliamentary election process. He conveyed his best wishes for a smooth political transition and the continuity of Iraq’s development efforts.

Emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding and brotherly relations with Iraq, the President said Islamabad remained keen to expand cooperation through structured, result-oriented mechanisms.

Both sides agreed on the importance of regular high-level exchanges to maintain momentum in bilateral engagement.

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the talks. President Zardari observed that bilateral trade volumes remained well below their potential and called for focused efforts to translate intent into tangible outcomes. He highlighted Pakistan’s readiness to deepen cooperation in key sectors including information technology, agriculture and food security, construction, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. The President also stressed the need for direct banking channels to facilitate trade, business interaction, and the movement of pilgrims.

Referring to Pakistan’s participation in major trade and health exhibitions in Baghdad, President Zardari described these engagements as important steps toward strengthening business-to-business connectivity. He encouraged closer coordination between chambers of commerce and the private sectors of both countries through regular exchanges and virtual platforms.

The President expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral defence cooperation, including ongoing training programmes and completed defence deliveries. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to further enhance defence collaboration in line with Iraq’s requirements and evolving security needs.

President Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s capacity to support Iraq’s reconstruction efforts through skilled manpower, medical professionals, and technical expertise in areas such as financial services and digital governance. He described the existing manpower transmission framework as a key enabler for structured and welfare-oriented workforce deployment.

Issues related to Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq were discussed in detail. The President underscored the importance of early finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management, calling for improved facilitation at immigration points, greater flexibility in emergency travel cases, and measures to ease difficulties faced by genuine pilgrims.

Caretaker Prime Minister Al-Sudani welcomed Pakistan’s proposals and appreciated its continued support. Both sides agreed to remain engaged through institutional channels and to pursue cooperation that delivers clear and sustainable benefits for both countries.

President Zardari was accompanied by Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Sindh Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, former Senate Chairman Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq.