BAGHDAD, Jun 5 (APP): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday expressed the hope that bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iraq would strengthen in the future.
The foreign minister, while addressing a joint press stakeout with his Iraqi counterpart Dr. Fuad Hussein said that both the countries enjoyed decades-old ties and they always supported each other in the hour of need.
The foreign minister, arrived here on a three-day visit from Jordan, on the second leg of two-nation tour.
He is undertaking his maiden visit to Iraq at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein.
Bilawal told the media that every year, a huge number of Pakistani pilgrims visit Iraq to pay respects at shrines.
He said, “My mother, Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed held Iraq in very high esteem and had very fond memories of her visit. I have come here with a desire to reinvigorate our fraternal ties and build them on solid foundations based on mutual respect, interests, and institutional linkages.”
“I want to reiterate our desire to transform our bilateral relations into mutually beneficial economic ties. During my visit, we would have range of exchanges with the Iraqi leadership and private sector. We would be signing bilateral agreements focusing on strengthening our collaboration in diverse fields,” he added.
Bilawal said, “Similar to Pakistan, Iraqi nation has shown exemplary resilience, steadfastness, and resoluteness in combating terrorism and defeating this scourge. Our two nations have made great sacrifices in achieving this victory, fruits of which are being enjoyed by the region and beyond.”
Bilawal said both countries always stood by each other at the multilateral forums. “We have good flourishing defence cooperation, contributing towards our shared objectives for peace, stability and security. It is time to rebuild, come out stronger than ever and transform our countries into progressive nation states.”
He expressed hope that his visit would pave the way for further enhancing people-to-people contacts especially between the private sector, media, academia, and researchers.
“Pakistani workforce is renowned around the world for their efficiency, skill set and determination, and we hope to enhance avenues of collaboration in the interests of sustainable development of both the countries,” he noted.
The minister said, “The holy shrines in Iraq are very sacred for my people. We hope that more and more Pakistanis get an opportunity to visit these places. I am optimistic that my visit builds on our common rich heritage and provide an impetus to broaden and deepen our fraternal ties.”
“We were and always will be Iraq’s close friends. We consider Iraq as our partner in achieving peace, prosperity, growth and development,” he added.
Earlier, both the foreign ministers held a meeting and discussed matters to boost bilateral ties between their countries.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance relations between Pakistan and Iraq in diverse and multidimensional areas including diplomatic ties.
During his stay in Iraq, Bilawal will hold meetings with the political leadership of the country.
He will lay the foundation-stone of the Pakistan embassy besides visiting Ziaraat.