Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has stressed the need for enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Iraq in agriculture, trade, water, energy, education, tourism, and defence.   

Talking to Iraqi ambassador in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said Pakistan and Iraq are bound by historical, cultural and religious ties.

Yousaf Raza Gilani said direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Iraq will strengthen people-to-people contacts.

He said two hundred and fifty thousand Pakistani Zaireen visit Iraq every year to pay respect at holy sites. He said there is an urgent need to further streamline the arrangements for Pakistani Zaireen.

The two sides agreed to promote parliamentary diplomacy and delegation exchanges.