Al-Sudani, Pakistan’s President Zardari discuss trade, labor, security ties in meeting

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani on Sunday received Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, with talks focusing on bilateral relations, trade exchange and cooperation in labor, security and defense.

According to a statement from the Media Office of the Prime Minister, the meeting addressed “the importance of advancing trade exchange, in addition to addressing issues related to Pakistani labor in Iraq, prisoner exchange, and work toward an agreement on the extradition of wanted individuals.”

Al-Sudani pointed to the long-standing ties between Baghdad and Islamabad, citing “the historical relations between Iraq and Pakistan at both the official and popular levels.” He expressed appreciation for “Pakistan’s principled positions on Islamic and Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian cause and the war on the Gaza Strip.”

Full statement:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received today, Sunday, the President of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Asif Ali Zardari.

The meeting discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the importance of advancing trade exchange, in addition to addressing issues related to Pakistani labor in Iraq, prisoner exchange, and work toward an agreement on the extradition of wanted individuals.

His Excellency referred to the historical relations between Iraq and Pakistan at both the official and popular levels, expressing his appreciation for Pakistan’s principled positions on Islamic and Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian cause and the war on the Gaza Strip. He affirmed that Iraq is honored to receive visitors from all countries of the world, as it is a homeland for religions and diverse components, noting the need for coordination in the field of religious tourism.

The Prime Minister expressed Iraq’s readiness to cooperate in the field of oil and its derivatives, and conveyed thanks to Pakistan for its efforts in military training and the exchange of expertise. He also highlighted cooperation between the Defense Industries Commission and Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production to transfer military manufacturing technology and produce military equipment.

For his part, President Zardari praised Iraq as a country of deep historical and civilizational standing and affirmed his keenness to visit Baghdad, reflecting his appreciation and belief in Iraq’s importance in the Islamic and Middle Eastern worlds.

The Pakistani President congratulated the Prime Minister on the successful conduct of the elections in an exemplary manner with broad participation. He underscored the significance of Iraq’s emerging pivotal role and the restoration of its standing in a way that supports stability and balance, expressing Pakistan’s readiness to cooperate with Iraq across various fields of need and to further develop existing areas of cooperation.