Pakistan and Iraq agree to further boost relationship

ISLAMABAD: The Republic of Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have released a joint statement following the visit of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, to Iraq from 5th to 7th June 2023. The purpose of the visit was to enhance the fraternal relationship between the two nations.
During his visit, Foreign Minister Zardari received a warm welcome from the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister at their office in Baghdad. The leaders reaffirmed their cordial relations and expressed their shared desire to maintain regular high-level contacts, deepen friendly exchanges, and expand cooperation in various fields.
Several key meetings took place during the visit, including discussions with the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Parliament, Interior Minister, Governor of Karbala, Head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, President of Al-Hikmet Party, and Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Bashir Al-Najafi. These interactions resulted in agreements to expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, water management, inclusion of Pakistan in the Iraqi Development Corridor, establishment of sister port city relations between Basra and Karachi, defense production, health, textile, pharmaceuticals, and support for Iraq’s reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
The joint statement highlights the importance of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting, which will convene in the second half of 2023. The inaugural session of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) at the Senior Officials’ level is also scheduled for 2023. The two countries aim to promote parliamentary diplomacy through the exchange of visits and regular contacts between their respective parliamentary friendship groups.
Economic, trade, and investment ties between Iraq and Pakistan are set to be strengthened and expanded in both traditional and non-traditional sectors. The countries will explore existing complementarities and opportunities to foster mutual growth. Furthermore, they discussed cooperation in the field of tourism and expressed their commitment to encouraging tourism and hospitality investments in both nations.
A significant development announced during the visit was the establishment of a Pakistani Consulate in Najaf, fulfilling a longstanding demand from Pakistanis seeking consular services in the holy city of Hazrat Ali (RA). Additionally, a pilgrimage center will be opened in Karbala to cater to the needs of Pakistani visitors during Ashura, Muharram, and Arba’een.
To facilitate high-level exchanges and closer cooperation, both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Visa Abolition for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Efforts are also underway to implement a flexible visa regime for Zaireen (pilgrims) and businessmen, with the signing of an MoU in this regard scheduled for the forthcoming visit of the Iraqi Interior Minister to Pakistan.
The joint statement emphasizes the need for cooperation in combating illegal cross-border movement, as well as the fight against drug smuggling. Both countries expressed their commitment to strengthen measures in these areas. Cultural cooperation between Iraq and Pakistan will also be enhanced through a signed MoU.
Furthermore, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Iraq Chamber of Commerce signed an MoU of Cooperation, aiming to boost economic ties and lay the groundwork for a robust economic partnership. The first edition of the Pakistan Iraq Business Forum took place during the visit, providing an excellent platform for engagement between businessmen and investors from both sides. The creation of the Pak-Iraq Business Council was announced, which will further facilitate business-to-business linkages and networking for the enhancement of bilateral trade ties.
As a testament to the growing relationship, the foundation stone of the Pakistan Embassy Complex in Baghdad was laid, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic ties.