BAGHDAD, Sunday, December 21, 2025 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity, reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity, and democratic progress during high-level talks in Baghdad.

The President met President of the Republic of Iraq Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, where the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across political, economic, and security domains.

President Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections, expressing confidence in a smooth political transition and the continued advancement of Iraq’s democratic institutions.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral engagement, driven by recent high-level exchanges, including the 9th session of the Pakistan–Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and enhanced parliamentary contacts.

Highlighting economic cooperation, President Zardari said current trade volumes fall well short of the true potential of Pakistan–Iraq relations. He identified trade, investment, agriculture, defence production, information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals, and related industries as priority areas for expansion. He also stressed the importance of business-to-business engagement, reciprocal trade delegations, and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate commercial activity.

The President reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development through the provision of skilled and semi-skilled manpower under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on manpower transmission. He also highlighted Pakistan’s expertise in medical services, financial systems, and digital governance, expressing willingness to share technical experience, including in secure data management and institutional capacity-building.

Issues related to Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq were also discussed. President Zardari called for improved facilitation and urged the early finalization and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management to ensure orderly travel and address longstanding challenges. He also conveyed Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with the Iraqi authorities to prevent illegal entry and overstay by individuals violating Iraqi laws.

Both presidents reaffirmed their shared resolve to combat extremism, terrorism, and narcotics trafficking, and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in addressing regional and transnational security challenges. They also committed to maintaining close coordination at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on matters of mutual interest.

President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity within the Islamic Ummah and acknowledged its historic support for the Palestinian people.

Earlier, upon arrival at the Baghdad Palace, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour, followed by an official welcoming ceremony, a one-on-one meeting between the two presidents, and delegation-level talks. President Rashid later hosted a lunch in honour of President Zardari and his delegation.

President Zardari expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Iraqi leadership and people, describing Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilisation, resilience, and continuity.

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