President Asif Ali Zardari highlights trade, energy, and institutional cooperation in key diplomatic outreach to Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate.
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Asif Ali Zardari held a telephone conversation with Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Ali Falih Khadim Al-Zaidi, signaling Islamabad’s intent to deepen bilateral cooperation at a critical regional juncture.
The call took place during President Zardari’s official visit to Sanya in China’s Hainan province, where he extended formal congratulations to Al-Zaidi on his nomination as Iraq’s next head of government. Zardari described the appointment as a reflection of confidence in Al-Zaidi’s leadership during a pivotal time for Iraq’s political and economic stability.
Emphasizing longstanding ties, the president noted that Pakistan and Iraq share a relationship rooted in mutual respect, common values, and historical goodwill. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening this “brotherly bond” through structured and sustained engagement.
A key focus of the discussion was economic collaboration. Zardari outlined multiple sectors where cooperation could be significantly expanded, including trade, investment, energy partnerships, infrastructure development, agriculture, and renewable energy. The outreach reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy to diversify economic partnerships in the Middle East amid shifting global dynamics.
Beyond economic ties, the president also stressed the importance of institutional and academic cooperation. He highlighted the role of educational exchanges and people-to-people connectivity in building long-term, resilient bilateral relations, suggesting a comprehensive approach beyond traditional diplomacy.
In response, Al-Zaidi expressed gratitude for the warm wishes and reaffirmed Iraq’s interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan. He also extended an official invitation to President Zardari to visit Iraq, indicating openness to high-level diplomatic engagement moving forward.
The conversation underscores a renewed diplomatic momentum between Islamabad and Baghdad, with potential implications for regional cooperation, energy security, and economic integration in the coming years.
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