Pakistan, Iraq agree to strengthen bilateral ties, religious tourism

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields including trade, investment, infrastructure development and religious tourism.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and discussed a wide range of issues. PM Imran Khan wished Iraqi government success in holding the parliamentary elections in October this year and expressed hope that democracy and democratic institutions would be further strengthened in Iraq.

He also congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister for successfully holding the Baghdad Conference for ‘Cooperation and Partnership’ last month. The prime minister appreciated the Iraqi government for hosting thousands of Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq every year for religious purposes.

He emphasised that promoting religious tourism between the two countries could be mutually beneficial. Acknowledging the religious sentiments of Zaireen from Pakistan, Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi agreed to extend further facilitation in this regard.

The situation in Afghanistan also came under discussion. Stressing that peace and stability of Afghanistan was vital for regional peace and security, the prime minister apprised his Iraqi counterpart of Pakistan’s consistent support for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

PM Imran Khan stressed the need for the international community’s sustained engagement with Afghanistan to promote peace and security in the country to avert a humanitarian crisis and economic meltdown. The prime minister also highlighted the provision of humanitarian assistance by Pakistan in several ways for Afghan people through air and land routes.

Both agreed on the importance of urgent humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and releasing funds to prevent the impending economic crisis in Afghanistan.

The two leaders also agreed to remain in close contact to upgrade bilateral cooperation in various fields. The prime minister expressed hope to receive the Iraqi Prime Minister soon in Pakistan on a bilateral visit.