Pakistan, Iraq agree to strengthen bilateral cooperation on security, pilgrims facilitation

BRUSSELS (Dunya News) – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a key meeting with his Iraqi counterpart General Abdul Amir al-Shammari in Brussels to discuss Pakistan-Iraq bilateral relations, security cooperation, and measures to facilitate pilgrims.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation between their respective Ministries of Interior on a sustainable and effective basis.

The Iraqi Minister praised Pakistan's recent efforts to regulate and organize pilgrim groups, noting that it was the first time under the current leadership that such effective measures had been taken.

The Iraqi minister assured that all pilgrims included in the list provided by the Pakistani Ministry of Interior would be allowed entry into Iraq. However, he emphasized that pilgrims would not be permitted to stay beyond the designated time frame.

Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that both countries' relevant authorities would maintain close contact to ensure effective facilitation and monitoring of pilgrims. He reiterated that the safety, dignity, and convenience of Pakistani pilgrims are the government's top priority.

The two ministers also discussed strengthening mechanisms for security cooperation, counter-terrorism, combating human trafficking, and enhancing information sharing between the two countries.

On this occasion, the Iraqi Minister announced plans to visit Pakistan soon, with the goal of further developing a joint action plan to enhance visitor facilitation, security cooperation, and bilateral relations.