Pakistan, Iraq vow to fight extremism, terrorism and narco trade, step up bilateral cooperation

Pakistan and Iraq have vowed to intensify joint efforts against extremism, terrorism and the narcotics trade, signalling a renewed focus on security cooperation between the two countries.

The commitment was made during high-level talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in Baghdad on Sunday.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, while reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.

Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at the Baghdad Palace, according to a statement issued by the President Secretariat Media Wing.

He congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and expressed best wishes for the smooth formation of a new government.

“Both leaders reviewed the state of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges, including the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary interactions,” the statement said.

Zardari noted that current levels of bilateral trade did not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq relations and highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and defence production. He also pointed to prospects in information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and related industries, stressing the need for stronger business-to-business engagement.

President Zardari underscored the importance of reciprocal business delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate trade and commercial activity.

He 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 on manpower transmission.

President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s capacity in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, and expressed readiness to share technical experience, including secure data management, to support institutional capacity-building in Iraq.

The president also requested 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. He expressed a firm resolve to work with the Iraqi government to stop illegal entry and overstay by Pakistani nationals who violate Iraqi law.

Both presidents agreed to enhance cooperation in combating extremism, terrorism and narcotics trafficking, the statement said. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social sectors and to maintain close coordination at regional and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

President Rashid appreciated Pakistan’s role in uniting the Islamic Ummah and its historical support for the Palestinian people.

Earlier, Zardari was accorded a guard of honour upon arrival at the palace, followed by a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks. President Rashid also hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting Pakistani leader and his delegation.

President Zardari expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leadership and people, describing Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilisation and resilience.

Several senior Pakistani political leaders and officials, including senators, provincial ministers and Pakistan’s ambassador to Iraq, accompanied the president.