Islamabad, 15 December 2021 (TDI): Shaukat Tarin, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, met the Iraqi ambassador today. Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Pakistan, Hamid Abbas Lafta, met Tarin in Islamabad. Special Representative to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony & Middle East Maulana Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi was also present during the meeting. The finance ministry also released a press statement to the media.
Iraq and Pakistan enjoy cordial and brotherly relations
Shaukat Tarin stated that Pakistan and Iraq enjoy cordial relations based upon strong historical foundations of a common religion and cultural values. Iraqi ambassador Lafta highlighted historical relations between both countries. Furthermore, he added Iraq was also among the list of initial countries to recognize Pakistan. Tarin extended a warm welcome and he stressed on this occasion that he seeks to desire to strengthen economic as well as business cooperation between both countries.
H.E Hamid Abbas Lafta, Ambassador of Republic of Iraq to Pakistan called on Adviser to the PM on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin at Finance Division. Special Rep. to the PM on Religious Harmony/ Middle East Maulana Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi was also present during the meeting. pic.twitter.com/v0u1myj0Rs
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) December 14, 2021
Tarin expressed keen interest in boosting the level of trade between both counties. Additionally, he reiterated cooperation enhancement in the gas and oil sectors through a range of capacity and scope of capability.
Bilateral relationship to be strengthened through mutual cooperation
Both discussed various aspects of mutual relations and expressed satisfaction regarding the latest developments in the Iraq – Pakistan relationship. The dignitaries expressed the desire to strengthen the mutual relationship as well as bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Iraq and Pakistan have also cooperated, coordinated, and collaborated in defense diplomacy. Pakistan assisted Iraq in anti-terror military operations launched against Daesh and other organizations. In 2016, the ex-Iraqi envoy to Pakistan announced that Iraq won the war against terror with the assistance of Pakistan. Furthermore, Iraq and Pakistan decided in August this year to set a mechanism for political consultation. The political diplomacy forum was established when the Foreign Minister of Iraq Fuad Hussein visited Islamabad. He then also mentioned Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office. In the following month, the Iraqi Prime Minister also visited Pakistan.
