Pakistan, Iraq agree to cement ties

Bilawal meets top leadership in Baghdad

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal on Monday appreciated the trajectory of bilateral relations between the two countries and agreed to expand mutually beneficial cooperation.

Pakistan and Iraq enjoyed close and cordial relations based on mutual respect and shared values, they noted during a meeting held in Baghdad, the Foreign Office spokesperson posted on her Twitter handle.

Separately, the foreign minister also called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani and conveyed best wishes to the leadership and the people of Iraq. They agreed to further strengthen the multidimensional cooperation and to cement the brotherly ties between the two countries.

2 MOUs have been signed between #Pakistan and #Iraq during the visit of FM @BBhuttoZardari 👇🏽

➖MOU to enhance cultural cooperation &
➖visa abolition on diplomatic and official passports.

🇵🇰🤝🇮🇶#PakFMinIraq pic.twitter.com/f9Ll0YKJNI

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) June 5, 2023

Meanwhile, addressing a joint press stakeout with his Iraqi counterpart, Dr Fuad Hussein, the foreign minister expressed the hope that bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iraq would strengthen in the future.

FM @BBhuttoZardari has arrived in Iraq on an official visit from 5-7 June 2023, where he was received by 🇮🇶’s Deputy FM.

FM is undertaking his maiden visit to Iraq at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq Dr. Fuad Hussein.#PakFMinIraq

🇵🇰🤝🇮🇶 pic.twitter.com/ryPOMpDQMf

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) June 5, 2023

The foreign minister said that both the countries enjoyed decades old ties as they always supported each other in the hour of need.

FM @BBhuttoZardari and Iraqi FM @Fuad_Husseein addressed a joint press conference. They reaffirmed the strength of abiding & historical #Pakistan #Iraq ties and expressed their commitment to further consolidate this relationship. #PakFMinIraq

🇵🇰🤝🇮🇶 pic.twitter.com/tQZWMrXz8y

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) June 5, 2023

The foreign minister arrived in Iraq on a three-day visit from Jordan, on the second leg of two-nation tour. Bilawal told the media that every year, a huge number of Pakistani pilgrims visit Iraq to pay respects at Ziaraat.

FM @BBhuttoZardari called on President of Iraq, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal in Baghdad today. They appreciated trajectory of bil. relations & agreed to expand mutually beneficial coop. 🇵🇰 & 🇮🇶 enjoy close & cordial relations based on mutual respect & shared values.#PakFMinIraq
🇵🇰🤝🇮🇶 pic.twitter.com/ttVWWX3Ld2

— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) June 5, 2023

Earlier, both the foreign ministers held a meeting and discussed matters to boost bilateral ties between their countries.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance relations between Pakistan and Iraq in diverse and multidimensional areas, including diplomatic ties. APP