Bilawal Returns Home from Three-Day Trip to Iraq, Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has concluded his three-day visit to the Republic of Iraq, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the relationship between Pakistan and Iraq.
Accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bilawal’s primary objective was to strengthen the ties between the two countries, paving the way for economic cooperation, improved travel facilities, and enhanced security collaboration.
Highlighting the economic benefits, Iraq emerges as a major oil exporter, holding significant potential for Pakistan amidst prevailing energy price challenges. Moreover, Iraq offers attractive employment opportunities across various sectors for the Pakistani workforce. In this regard, Bilawal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster cooperation between businesses in Iraq and Pakistan, establishing a platform for private sector collaboration. This step is expected to create additional income-generating prospects for Pakistani workers and business owners.
Bilawal expressed optimism regarding the potential for increased trade and economic cooperation, acknowledging the renowned efficiency, skill set, and determination of the Pakistani workforce. Recognizing Iraq as a significant destination for religious pilgrimages, particularly for Shia and Sunni communities, Bilawal announced measures to facilitate easier and more affordable travel for Pakistani pilgrims. These measures include the establishment of assistance facilities in Karbala, the opening of a new Pakistani consulate in Najaf, relaxations in visa requirements, the construction of a new embassy in Baghdad, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the travel experience for Pakistanis.
Emphasizing the sacredness of the holy sites in Iraq for the Pakistani people, Bilawal expressed the hope that more Pakistanis would have the opportunity to visit these revered places. The visit also addressed the theme of security cooperation, with Bilawal noting the shared struggle against terrorism faced by both countries. He pledged to deepen cooperation in the future to prevent violence against innocent civilians.
During the visit, Bilawal held fruitful meetings with prominent Iraqi political leaders, including the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Interior Minister, as well as the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament and the President of the Al-Hikmet party. He also engaged with religious leaders, such as the Head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq and Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Bashir Al-Najafi.
The Pakistani delegation and their Iraqi counterparts expressed their appreciation for the visit, recognizing its potential to unlock substantial opportunities and make a real impact on the bilateral relationship. The successful trip not only strengthens the bond between Pakistan and Iraq but also paves the way for future collaboration in various domains, fostering mutual prosperity and stability.