Doha: Pakistan and Iraq have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly ties between the two countries. The understanding to this effect was reached during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and his Iraqi counterpart, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha today.

According to Radio Pakistan, during the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Iraq relations. Discussing trade and investment, both sides underlined the importance of enhancing economic linkages through increased business-to-business interactions and facilitative visa regimes.

President Zardari appreciated Iraq’s cooperation in facilitating Pakistani Zaireen and acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community in Iraq, which serves as a bridge of goodwill between the two nations. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional peace, stability, and cooperation, and agreed to maintain regular high-level contacts to advance bilateral relations.

The Iraqi President again invited President Zardari to visit Iraq. President Zardari accepted the invitation and conveyed that he would undertake the visit soon after the Iraqi parliamentary elections later this month. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar were also present during the meeting.