President Zardari reaffirms Pakistan\u2019s firm support for Iraq\u2019s sovereignty, stability
\n ISLAMABAD
\nPresident Asif Ali Zardari, Sunday, reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s firm support for Iraq\u2019s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated commitment to Iraq\u2019s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.
\nThe president met President of the Republic of Iraq Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at Baghdad Palace.
\nPresident 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.
\n\u201cBoth 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,\u201d President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.
\nThe president noted that current levels of bilateral trade did not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq economic, cultural and security relations and highlighted opportunities for expanding trade, investment, agriculture and defence production sectors besides information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and related industries.
\nHe 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.
\nPresident Zardari reiterated Pakistan\u2019s willingness to support Iraq\u2019s reconstruction and development efforts through the provision of skilled and semi-skilled manpower under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on manpower transmission.
\nHe also highlighted Pakistan\u2019s capacity in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, and expressed readiness to share technical experience, including in secure data management, to support institutional capacity-building in Iraq.
\nSenator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor Punjab, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sr Provincial Minister Govt of Sindh, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Provincial Minister of Sindh, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Ex-Chairman Senate and Pakistan\u2019s Ambassador to Iraq, accompanied the president.
\nThe president also requested for improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for early finalization and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management, aimed at ensuring orderly travel and addressing longstanding issues related to religious visits.
\nHe also expressed his firm resolve to work with Iraqi government to stop illegal entry and overstay of those Pakistanis who violate Iraqi law.
\nBoth presidents expressed their resolve to fight extremism, terrorism and narco trade and enhance bilateral cooperation.
\nThe two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social domains, and agreed to maintain close coordination at regional and multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the OIC, on issues of mutual interest.
\nThe Iraqi president appreciated Pakistan\u2019s role in uniting Islamic Ummah and the historical support to the people of Palestine.
\nEarlier, upon arrival at the 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.
\nPresident Rashid also hosted a lunch in honour of President Asif Ali Zardari and his accompanying delegation.
\nThe president 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
President Zardari reaffirms Pakistan\u2019s firm support for Iraq\u2019s sovereignty, stability ISLAMABAD President Asif Ali Zardari, Sunday, reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s firm support for Iraq\u2019s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated commitment to Iraq\u2019s stability, prosperity and democratic progress. The president met President of the Republic of Iraq Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at Baghdad Palace. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-521260","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n