Baghdad, December 21, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday met Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, where the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation across political, economic and social sectors.
Upon arrival at the palace, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour, followed by an official welcoming ceremony. The two presidents held a one-on-one meeting before leading delegation-level talks. President Rashid also hosted a luncheon in honour of President Zardari and his accompanying delegation.
President Zardari thanked the Iraqi leadership and people for the warm reception and described Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilisation and resilience. He congratulated Iraq on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and expressed best wishes for the smooth formation of a new government. Reaffirming Pakistan’s firm support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, he reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.
Both leaders reviewed the state of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum generated by recent high-level engagements, including the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary exchanges. President Zardari noted that current bilateral trade levels do not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq relations and highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, defence production, information technology, construction and pharmaceuticals. He also stressed the need for stronger business-to-business contacts, reciprocal trade delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate commerce.
The president reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development through the provision of skilled and semi-skilled manpower under an existing memorandum of understanding. He also highlighted Pakistan’s strengths in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, offering technical cooperation, including in secure data management, to support institutional capacity-building in Iraq.
President Zardari sought improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for the early finalisation and implementation of the proposed memorandum of understanding on Zaireen Management to ensure orderly travel and address longstanding issues related to religious visits. He also conveyed Pakistan’s resolve to work with the Iraqi government to curb illegal entry and overstay by Pakistani nationals.
Both leaders reaffirmed their determination to combat extremism, terrorism and narcotics trafficking, and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in these areas. They also pledged to maintain close coordination at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, on matters of mutual interest. President Rashid, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity within the Islamic Ummah and its longstanding support for the Palestinian people.
President Zardari was accompanied by Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, former Senate chairman Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq.
