FM Qureshi, Iraqi Defense Minister Eye regional security, stability In Both Countries

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while his official stay in Iraq, has said that Pakistan gives immense importance to its brotherly relations with Iraq.

The Foreign Minister held a meeting with Iraqi Minister of Defense Juma Inad Saadoun Al-Jubouri, at the Ministry of Defense and exchanged views on different security matters.

He said Pakistan values the sacrifices of the people of Iraq people in the war against terrorism.

Qureshi offered all possible assistance and cooperation from Pakistan in the development and defence sectors to Iraq.

The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to work together for regional security and stability.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a meeting with Iraq’s Interior Minister Othman Al-Ghanimi. 

In his tweet, he wrote, “Good to meet Interior Minister Othman Al-Ghanimi. Appreciated Iraqi Govt coordination & management for the well-being of thousands of Pakistani Zaireen visiting sacred sites in Iraq annually. Pakistan is streamlining the process of Zaireen pilgrimage with the development of a Zaireen Management Policy.”

Good to meet Interior Minister #OthmanAlGhanimi. Appreciated Iraqi Govt coordination & management for well-being of thousands of 🇵🇰 Zaireen visiting sacred sites in Iraq annually.🇵🇰 is streamlining process of Zaireen pilgrimage to 🇮🇶 with the devpt of a Zaireen Management Policy pic.twitter.com/MZaFXUr4v9

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) May 29, 2021

Previously, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein and discussed matters related to mutual interest.

While talking to his Iraqi counterpart, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the fraternal ties between the two countries are deep-rooted in common history, religion and cultural values.

“Pakistan greatly values its relations with Iraq,” he said.

The Foreign Minister emphasized there are vast opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the areas of trade, investment, education, technology and infrastructure development.

He further added, “Both Pakistan and Iraq can share their experiences in the fight against terrorism.”

Moreover, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to enhance mutual cooperation at the international forums including the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

They also stressed the need for collective efforts at the international level to control the spread of COVID-19.

Later addressing a joint news conference along with Iraq’s Fuad Hussein, Qureshi said Pakistan wants peace in the South Asian region as it is important to lift the people out of poverty.

He said the Afghan peace process must go forward. The Foreign Minister further informed his Iraqi counterpart of the role played by Pakistan to facilitate the peace process.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan has taken a number of steps to facilitate Zaireen visiting Iraq.

The Foreign Minister has now left for the Presidential palace to meet Iraq’s President Barham Salih.

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