President Zardari Reaffirms Pakistan’s Support for Iraq’s Sovereignty, Stability
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: 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.
The president met President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, at the Baghdad Palace, where he congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and conveyed best wishes for the smooth formation of a new government.
According to a press release issued by the President Secretariat Media Wing, the two 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 enhanced parliamentary interactions.
President Zardari noted that the current level of bilateral trade did not reflect the true potential of Pakistan–Iraq economic, cultural and security relations. He highlighted opportunities for expanding cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, defence production, information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and allied industries.
The president underscored the importance of strengthening business-to-business engagement, exchanging reciprocal business delegations and establishing direct banking channels to facilitate trade and commercial activity. He reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development efforts through the provision of skilled and semi-skilled manpower under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on manpower transmission.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strengths in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, President Zardari expressed readiness to share technical experience, including in secure data management, to support institutional capacity-building in Iraq.
He also requested improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for the early finalisation and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management to ensure orderly travel and address longstanding issues related to religious visits. The president further expressed his firm resolve to work with the Iraqi government to curb illegal entry and overstay by Pakistani nationals in violation of Iraqi law.
Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to combat extremism, terrorism and narcotics trafficking, and to enhance bilateral cooperation in these areas. They also agreed to further deepen cooperation across political, economic and social domains and to maintain close coordination at regional and multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on issues of mutual interest.
President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in fostering unity within the Islamic Ummah and acknowledged its historical support for the Palestinian people.
Earlier, upon arrival at the Baghdad Palace, President Zardari was accorded 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 luncheon in honour of President Zardari and his accompanying delegation.
The president expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leadership and people, describing Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilisation and resilience.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Senior Sindh 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 accompanied the president.
