ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas during foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s three-day official visit to the Arab state, according to a joint statement issued by the two countries on Thursday.

Bhutto-Zardari arrived in Baghdad on Monday morning on a three-day visit which began with meetings with the President of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, and Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein.

Relations between Pakistan and Iraq have received a boost with a number of ministerial-level exchanges in recent years. Iraq’s foreign minister visited Islamabad in August last year.

“In the high-level interactions of the Foreign Minister, the two sides agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in diverse areas including Agriculture, Water Management, inclusion of Pakistan in the Iraqi Development Corridor, establishing sister port cities relations between Basra and Karachi, defense production, health, textile, pharmaceutical and supporting Iraq’s efforts in their reconstruction and rehabilitation,” the joint statement, circulated by Pakistan’s foreign office in Islamabad, said.

“Both countries would strive to strengthen and expand the bilateral economic, trade and investment ties in the traditional and non-traditional sectors, including by exploiting the existing complementarities and opportunities,” it continued.

The two sides agreed to promote parliamentary diplomacy through the exchange of visits and regular contacts among people’s representatives.

The foreign minister’s Iraq visit also opened up space for greater collaboration between the business communities of the two states.

The two sides welcomed memorandum of understanding signed between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Iraq Chamber of Commerce to build a robust economic partnership.

“First edition of Pakistan Iraq Business Forum was organized in Baghdad on 5 June 2023 during the visit which was very well attended and afforded a good opportunity of engagement for the businessmen and investors from both sides,” said the statement. “Both sides also witnessed the announcement of creation of Pak-Iraq Business Council which would provide a structured platform for the businessmen and investors from both countries to develop proper business to business linkages and networking for enhancement of bilateral trade ties.”

Recognizing the huge tourism potential in both countries, Pakistan and Iraq decided to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of religious tourism and hospitality.

“The Foreign Minister underscored the vital importance of a flexible visa regime for the Zaireen [pilgrims] and the businessmen,” said the statement. “The Iraqi side assured of their full support and extending flexible visa regime. The MoU in this regard is scheduled to be signed during the forthcoming visit of Iraqi Interior Minister to Pakistan.”

Bhutto-Zardari concluded his visit by extending invitations to the Iraqi president, prime minister and other officials to Pakistan.

The Iraqi leaders also agreed to visit the South Asian country on mutually convenient dates determined through diplomatic channels.