Pakistan and Iraq have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation, focusing on fighting extremism, terrorism, and narco trade, while exploring economic opportunities in trade, defence, IT, and pharmaceuticals.
During a high-level meeting in Baghdad, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty, stability, and democratic progress, offering skilled manpower, digital governance expertise, and technical assistance for institutional capacity-building.
Capacity-building efforts aim to help Iraq rebuild infrastructure, improve public services, and restore sectors affected by decades of conflict, ensuring long-term economic recovery and sustainable growth for the country.
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Both leaders highlighted the need to enhance trade and investment through business-to-business engagement, reciprocal delegations, and direct banking channels, aiming to facilitate smoother commercial activity and strengthen economic relations.
Key sectors identified for expansion include agriculture, construction, IT, pharmaceuticals, and defence production, reflecting complementary strengths and untapped potential that could elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level.
In addition, Pakistan sought improved facilitation for pilgrims visiting Iraq, proposing a memorandum of understanding on Zaireen management to ensure orderly, safe, and efficient religious travel while addressing longstanding issues.
President Asif Ali Zardari met Iraqi President, @LJRashid at Baghdad Palace. An official welcome with guard of honour was followed by one-on-one talks, delegation-level discussions and a luncheon hosted by the Iraqi President.@IraqiPresidency pic.twitter.com/pGEWOEwQ1t
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 21, 2025
Security and compliance were also emphasized, with both nations pledging to curb illegal entry and overstays while coordinating closely in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Discussions further included cultural and civilizational ties, highlighted by Pakistan’s goodwill message to Iran during transit, coinciding with Yalda Night celebrations, symbolizing shared traditions and strengthening regional engagement and people-to-people connections.
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Baghdad on a four-day official visit to Iraq. He was received by Culture Minister, Dr. Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani. During the visit, meetings with senior Iraqi leadership are expected to advance cooperation further strengthen 🇵🇰-🇮🇶 relations. pic.twitter.com/a8coASfF5U
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 20, 2025
Overall, the visit is expected to boost trade, strategic partnership, and regional influence while creating long-term opportunities for economic growth, social development, and stronger cooperation between Islamabad and Baghdad.