Current Trade Levels Do Not Reflect True Potential of Pakistan-Iraq Relations: President Zardari

BAGHDAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday said that the existing level of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iraq did not reflect the true potential of the two countries’ economic, cultural, and security relations, stressing the need to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

President Zardari made these remarks during a meeting with Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, according to a statement issued by the Presidency. The Pakistani president arrived in Iraq on Saturday night on an official visit and was received at the airport by Iraq’s Minister for Culture, Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani.

Upon arrival at the palace, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour before holding a one-on-one meeting and luncheon with his Iraqi counterpart. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries, marked by recent high-level exchanges.

During the meeting, President Zardari highlighted opportunities for enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, defence production, information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and related industries. He underscored the importance of business-to-business engagement, exchange of trade delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate commercial activity.

The president also sought improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope that a proposed memorandum of understanding on Zaireen management would be finalised soon. The agreement aims to streamline travel arrangements and address long-standing issues faced by pilgrims. He also conveyed Pakistan’s resolve to work with Iraqi authorities to prevent illegal entry and overstay by Pakistani nationals.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to counter extremism, terrorism and narcotics trafficking, and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in these areas. President Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leadership on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and conveyed best wishes for the formation of a new government.

According to the statement, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s stability and democratic progress. The two presidents also agreed to maintain close coordination at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

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Separately, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, said President Zardari conveyed a goodwill message to Iranian leadership while his aircraft passed through Iranian airspace en route to Baghdad. The visit to Iraq, scheduled from December 20 to 24, aims to further strengthen traditionally cordial ties and explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and religious tourism.

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