• FM Qureshi praised the Iraqi people for their efforts to overcome challenges and rebuild their country.
• The two sides reaffirmed the long-term friendly relations between the two countries.
• The two sides agreed to convene the ninth meeting of the Bahía Joint Ministerial Committee as soon as possible.

Islamabad: On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Iraqi Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad this morning for a two-day visit.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign ministers of the two countries held in-depth delegation-level talks and exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and global issues of common concern.

After the delegation-level meeting, a memorandum of understanding on “bilateral political consultation” was signed. The memorandum of understanding aims to establish a mechanism for regular consultations on bilateral issues and regional and international issues of common concern.

The two sides reaffirmed the long-term friendly relationship rooted in common beliefs, common values ​​and cultural origins between the two countries. The two sides also reiterated their desire to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.

Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq, and recognized the success of Iraq and its people in the fight against terrorism. He especially appreciated the resilience of the Iraqi people in overcoming challenges and rebuilding their country.

Looking back on his recent visit to Iraq, Qureshi emphasized the importance of further strengthening the current momentum of high-level exchanges to strengthen bilateral cooperation. In order to strengthen the institutional efforts to expand mutual cooperation, the two sides agreed to convene the ninth meeting of the Bahía Joint Ministerial Committee as soon as possible.

Issues related to Zaylen’s visit to Iraq and non-governmental contacts are also under discussion. Qureshi appreciated the measures taken by the Iraqi government for the well-being of Zayrin during the COVID-19 period, and asked for further facilitation of visas and travel, especially during the Muharram and Alban periods.

Qureshi emphasized that Pakistan’s focus has shifted from geopolitics to geoeconomics, and emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation through strengthening interconnection and closer business-to-business and private relations. He emphasized the potential to promote cooperation in tourism, science and education, as well as cooperation in the food security and petroleum sectors.

Foreign Minister Qureshi informed the Iraqi Foreign Minister of the deteriorating human rights situation of IIOJK, and emphasized Pakistan’s principled position on the peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmir people.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also briefed Pakistan’s views on lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, and emphasized Pakistan’s consistent efforts to promote an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan. He expressed serious concern about the increase in violence, called on all parties in Afghanistan to constructively participate in the negotiation of a political settlement, and reiterated Pakistan’s determination to continue to fully support all efforts for a political settlement.

The foreign minister also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Palestinian issue and reiterated that Palestine has consistently and unscrupulously supported the Palestinian cause.

In addition to meeting with Pakistani leaders, the Iraqi foreign minister will also meet with major federal ministers to discuss issues related to their respective fields.