Islamabad, 5 November 2022 (TDI): Pakistani Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar visited Dr. Fouad Hussein, the foreign minister of Iraq, on the sidelines of the 13th annual Sir Bani Yas Forum meeting in Abu Dhabi.
In addition to discussing matters of mutual concern on the regional and international levels, ministers also discussed bilateral relations.
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Reiterating their willingness to further advance bilateral connections in all areas, they underlined the long-standing bonds of amity and collaboration between the two nations, which are deeply anchored in common values, shared religious beliefs, and cultural affinities.
Reiterating Pakistan’s support for Iraq’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Foreign Minister Bilawal He praised the tenacity of the Iraqi people for their efforts to overcome obstacles and rebuild their nation, and he recognized Iraq’s accomplishments in the fight against terrorism.
The topic of Pakistani Zaireen visiting Iraq and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations was also covered.
The Foreign Minister asked his counterpart for further visa and travel convenience, particularly during Ashura Muharram and Arbaeen, while praising the actions performed by the Iraqi government for the welfare of the Zaireen.
The Ministers also discussed ways to boost connectivity between the two states and broaden commercial ties.
Both parties underlined their commitment to working collaboratively with each other in order to enhance bilateral relationship and cooperate at international forums.
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Pak-Iraq relations
Affairs between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Iraq are referred to as Iraq-Pakistan relations.
Beginning about 1800 BCE, Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley engaged in shared cultural and commercial exchange.
The Baghdad Pact, a military alliance towards the Soviet Union, was founded in 1955, and both Iraq and Pakistan participated.
However, bilateral ties have stabilised since the 2003; Pakistan has aided Iraq in its struggle against the Islamic State and other militant organisations involved in the conflict in Iraq.
Pakistan maintains an embassy in Baghdad, while Iraq keeps one in Islamabad.
