ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Defence Minister of Iraq Jumaah Enad Saadoon met in the federal capital on Friday and discussed the overall situation in the region.
The two ministers reaffirmed the mutual desire to further promote and solidify existing bilateral relations, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
Foreign Minister Qureshi welcomed the Iraqi defence minister and underscored the importance accorded by Pakistan to its fraternal ties with Iraq.
Stressing the need for frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries, the foreign minister hoped that the visit of the Iraqi defence minister would help diversify and deepen collaboration between the two countries in the fields of defence as well as defence production.
Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s support for sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.
Pakistan and Iraq enjoy warm and friendly ties, rooted deep in shared faith, values and culture. Both countries cooperate closely in regional and multilateral fora.
The Iraqi defence minister is on a four-day visit to Pakistan till February 27. The visit is expected to bolster defence cooperation between the two countries, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
The visiting dignitary also lauded the professionalism of the Pakistani Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
The minister called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza at Joint Staff Headquarters, said a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Matters of bilateral professional interest and further strengthening of security and defence cooperation between the two countries were discussed during the meeting, it added.
Both sides also deliberated upon the prevailing international and regional security environment.
Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned out tri-services contingent presented the guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.
