Pakistan, Iraq vow to bolster bilateral ties

BAGHDAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan and Iraq have expressed their resolve to fight extremism and enhance bilateral cooperation.

This commitment was expressed at a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and his Iraqi counterpart Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in Baghdad on Sunday.

Upon arrival at the Baghdad Palace, President Asif Ali 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 Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid also hosted a lunch in honour of President Asif Ali Zardari and his accompanying delegation.

President Zardari expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leadership and people, and described Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilisation and resilience.

President Asif Ali Zardari met Iraqi President, @LJRashid at Baghdad Palace. An official welcome with guard of honour was followed by one-on-one talks, delegation-level discussions and a luncheon hosted by the Iraqi President.@IraqiPresidency pic.twitter.com/pGEWOEwQ1t

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 21, 2025

Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections and expressed best wishes for the smooth formation of the new government.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's firm support for Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to Iraq's stability, prosperity and democratic progress.

President Zardari reaches Iraq on four-day official visit

Both 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 parliamentary interactions.

President Asif Ali Zardari noted that current level of bilateral trade does not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq economic, cultural and security relations.

He highlighted opportunities for expanding trade, investment, agriculture and defence production sectors besides information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and related industries.

He also underscored the importance of business-to-business engagement, reciprocal business delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate trade and commercial activity.

The President also requested for improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for early finalisation and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management, aimed at ensuring orderly travel and addressing longstanding issues related to religious visits.

He expressed his firm resolve to work with Iraqi government to stop illegal entry and overstay of those Pakistanis who violate Iraqi law.

Iraqi President appreciated Pakistan's role in uniting Islamic Ummah and the historical support to the people of Palestine.