Pakistan and Iraq on Sunday reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat extremism, terrorism, and the narcotics trade during high-level talks in Baghdad. The understanding was reached at a meeting between Asif Ali Zardari and his Iraqi counterpart Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at Baghdad Palace, according to a statement from the President’s Secretariat.
Both leaders reviewed the overall state of Pakistan-Iraq relations and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum created by recent engagements, including the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary exchanges.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity, while emphasising Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity, and democratic progress. He congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful parliamentary elections and conveyed best wishes for the smooth formation of the new government.
Highlighting untapped economic potential, President Zardari said existing trade volumes do not reflect the true scope of bilateral relations. He pointed to opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, defence production, IT, construction, pharmaceuticals, and allied sectors.
He stressed the need for stronger business-to-business links, reciprocal trade delegations, and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate smoother commercial activity. Pakistan, he said, is also ready to support Iraq’s reconstruction by providing skilled and semi-skilled manpower under the existing MoU on manpower transmission.
President Zardari further underlined Pakistan’s expertise in medical services, finance, and digital governance, offering technical assistance, including secure data management, to help strengthen Iraq’s institutional capacity.
The Pakistani president requested improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq and expressed hope for the early finalisation of the proposed MoU on Zaireen Management to ensure organised travel and resolve long-standing issues related to religious visits. He also assured cooperation to prevent illegal entry and overstays by Pakistani nationals in Iraq.
Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and social domains, and to maintain close coordination in regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, on matters of shared interest.
President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity within the Islamic Ummah and acknowledged its historical support for the Palestinian people.
President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour upon arrival, followed by an official ceremony, one-on-one discussions, delegation-level talks, and a luncheon hosted by President Rashid in his honour.
