President Asif Ali Zardari met Caretaker Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in Baghdad today (Sunday), and discussed practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The President underscored that Pakistan values its longstanding and brotherly relationship with Iraq and remains committed to working closely with it to expand cooperation through structured and result-oriented mechanisms.
He highlighted priority sectors including information technology, agriculture and food security, construction, pharmaceuticals and medicines. The President also stressed the importance of direct banking channels to facilitate trade, business interaction and the movement of pilgrims.
Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges to carry forward bilateral engagement.
Asif Ali Zardari drew attention to Pakistan’s participation in major trade and health exhibitions in Baghdad, noting these engagements as a step towards sustained business-to-business connectivity.
He encouraged closer coordination between chambers of commerce and the private sector of both countries through regular exchanges and virtual engagement.
The President expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral defence ties, including ongoing training programmes and completed defence deliveries.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to further strengthen defence collaboration in line with Iraq’s requirements and evolving security needs.
The President also highlighted Pakistan’s capacity to support Iraq’s reconstruction through skilled manpower, medical professionals and technical expertise in financial services and digital governance.
He referred to the existing manpower transmission framework as an important enabler for structured and welfare-oriented deployment.
Matters related to Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq were also discussed in detail. The President emphasised early finalisation of MoU on Zaireen Management and called for improved facilitation at immigration points, greater flexibility in emergency travel cases and measures to ease difficulties faced by genuine pilgrims.
The Iraqi Caretaker Prime Minister welcomed Pakistan’s proposals and appreciated its continued support.
