President Zardari requests better facilities for Pakistani pilgrims in his meeting with Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif
President Zardari during a meeting with Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace on Sunday. Photo: PID
Pakistan and Iraq have vowed to step up joint efforts against extremism, terrorism and narcotics trafficking, signaling a renewed focus on security cooperation between the two countries.
The commitment was made during high-level talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in Baghdad on Sunday.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, while reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.
Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, according to a statement issued by the press wing of the President’s Secretariat.
He congratulated the Iraqi leaders and people on the successful holding of the parliamentary elections and expressed his best wishes for the smooth formation of a new government.
“Both leaders reviewed the status of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges, including the ninth session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary interactions,” the statement said.
Zardari noted that current levels of bilateral trade do not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq relations and highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and defense production. He also noted prospects in information technology, construction, pharmaceutical and related industries, highlighting the need for stronger engagement between companies.
President Zardari stressed the importance of reciprocal business delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate exchange and commercial activity.
He reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to support the reconstruction and development of Iraq by providing skilled and semi-skilled labor under an existing memorandum of understanding on labor transfer.
President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s capabilities in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, and expressed willingness to share technical expertise, including secure data management, to support institutional capacity development in Iraq.
The President also called for better facilities for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope that the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on the management of Zaireen would be finalized and implemented soon. He expressed his firm determination to work with the Iraqi government to stop illegal entry and overstay of Pakistani citizens violating Iraqi law.
Both presidents agreed to improve cooperation in the fight against extremism, terrorism and narcotics trafficking, according to the statement. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and social sectors and to maintaining close coordination in regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in the unification of the Islamic Ummah and its historic support for the Palestinian people.
Earlier, Zardari was accorded a guard of honor upon his arrival at the palace, followed by a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks. President Rashid also hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting Pakistani leader and his delegation.
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Baghdad on a four-day official visit to Iraq. He was received by the Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani. During the visit, meetings with senior Iraqi leaders are expected to advance cooperation and further strengthen 🇵🇰-🇮🇶 relations. pic.twitter.com/a8coASfF5U
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 20, 2025
President Zardari expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leaders and people and described Baghdad as a historic city that symbolizes civilization and resilience.
Several senior Pakistani political leaders and officials, including senators, provincial ministers and Pakistan’s ambassador to Iraq, accompanied the president.
