Pakistan places great importance on fostering mutually beneficial ties with Iraq: Yousaf Raza Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Feb 26 (SABAH): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has stated that Pakistan and Iraq enjoy cordial relations, and Pakistan places great importance on fostering mutually beneficial ties with Iraq.

He made these remarks while exchanging views with Hamid Abbas Laftah, the Ambassador of Iraq, at Parliament House, Islamabad. Chairman Senate acknowledged Iraq’s significance in the region and its vital role in promoting peace and prosperity. He highlighted the deep-rooted goodwill between the two nations, strengthened by shared bonds of faith, culture, and common aspirations, which present an opportunity to further enhance bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Emphasizing the need for institutional mechanisms to bolster bilateral relations, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani noted that the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) and other platforms exist to expand cooperation in diverse sectors.
The Chairman Senate welcomed the recent MoU on human resource transmission, recognizing Pakistan’s large pool of skilled professionals. He emphasized that Pakistan could provide doctors, medical staff, and other expertise to support the rehabilitation of Iraqi hospitals. He also acknowledged ongoing cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani briefed the Ambassador on Pakistan’s Zaireen Management Policy, noting that 250,000 Pakistani pilgrims visit Iraq’s holy sites annually. He called for a streamlined immigration process to facilitate their travel and expressed gratitude to the Iraqi authorities for their continued support in assisting Pakistani Zaireen.

Inviting Ambassador Laftah to visit Multan, Chairman Senate encouraged engagement with the local business community and exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.