President Asif Ali Zardari met Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the Caretaker Prime Minister of Iraq at Government Palace here today, and discussed practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation and address priority areas of mutual interest.
The President thanked the Iraqi government for the hospitality extended during his visit and congratulated the Iraqi people on the completion of the parliamentary election process. He conveyed his best wishes for a smooth political transition and continuity in Iraq’s development efforts.
President Zardari underscored that Pakistan values its longstanding and brotherly relationship with Iraq and remains committed to working closely with the Iraqi government to expand cooperation through structured and result-oriented mechanisms. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges to carry forward bilateral engagement.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. The President noted that existing trade volumes remain well below potential and called for focused efforts to translate intent into outcomes. He highlighted Pakistan’s readiness to expand cooperation in 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.
President 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. President Zardari emphasised the need for early finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding 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 Caretaker Prime Minister welcomed Pakistan’s proposals and appreciated its continued support. Both sides agreed to remain engaged through institutional channels and to pursue cooperation that delivers clear benefits for both countries.
Senator Sherry Rehman; Senator Saleem Mandviwala; Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor Punjab and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq accompanied the President.