President Asif Ali Zardari Offers Pakistan’s Support in Iraq’s Reconstruction
Baghdad: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has offered Pakistan’s role in the reconstruction of Iraq, as the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism, extremism and narcotics.
President Zardari met Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, where he was accorded a guard of honour on arrival and welcomed at an official reception with national anthems of both countries. According to an official statement, the two presidents held detailed one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, and the Iraqi president hosted a luncheon in honour of President Zardari and the Pakistani delegation.
President Zardari thanked the Iraqi leadership and people for their warm welcome and described Baghdad as a great city symbolizing civilization, history and resilience. He also congratulated Iraq on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support, President Zardari said that Pakistan strongly backs Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, development and democratic process.
During the meetings, bilateral Pakistan-Iraq relations, regional developments and global issues were discussed. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over high-level contacts and meetings of the joint commission. President Zardari emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and defence production, while highlighting vast potential for collaboration in information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and related industries.
The president stressed the importance of business-to-business contacts, exchange of trade delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels between the two countries, noting that financial facilitation is essential for boosting commercial activities.
Offering Pakistan’s support in Iraq’s reconstruction, President Zardari said Pakistan is ready to provide skilled and semi-skilled manpower under existing memoranda of understanding. He also offered cooperation in healthcare, financial expertise and digital governance, including sharing technical experience in secure data management.
President Zardari called for improved facilities for Pakistani pilgrims visiting holy sites in Iraq and urged the early approval and implementation of the pilgrims’ management MoU. He assured full cooperation to prevent illegal entry and overstay by Pakistani nationals, emphasizing Pakistan’s support for strict action against violators of Iraqi laws.
Both presidents agreed to jointly combat terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, and expressed their resolve to further strengthen security cooperation. They also agreed to continue close coordination at international forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The Iraqi president appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity within the Muslim Ummah and praised Pakistan’s historic and continued support for the Palestinian people.
