Pakistan and Iraq, reaffirming the long-standing and friendly ties, rooted in shared faith, values and culture have expressed desire to further augment bilateral relations.

This understanding was reached during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Iraqi Counterpart Dr Fuad Hussein in Baghdad.

The Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan's support for Iraqi territorial integrity and sovereignty and acknowledged the successes of Iraq and its people in fight against terrorism.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation to save lives and livelihoods and outlined Pakistan's strategy to manage Coronavirus pandemic.

The Foreign Minister underscored the importance of expanding bilateral trade and economic relationship between Pakistan and Iraq through enhanced connectivity, and strengthening people-to-people linkages.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed bilateral cooperation in multilateral organizations, particularly in the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Expressing satisfaction at the existing collaboration, Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed Pakistan's desire to forge closer partnership in key multilateral organizations for strengthening mutual support.

The Foreign Minister briefed his counterpart on the situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also appraised Pakistan's consistent support for the Afghan Peace Process.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi during his visit to Iraq also visited Iraqi Ministry of Interior, and held meeting with Iraqi Interior Minister Usman Al-Ghanimi. 

Speaking on the occasion, he said Pakistan is introducing Pilgrimage Management Policy to provide facilities to overcome travel difficulties.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan attaches special importance to its bilateral relations with Iraq and Islamabad needs the support of the Iraqi government for effective implementation of the Pilgrimage Management Policy.

He said, every year, more than 200 thousand Pakistanis from all walks of life visit different shrines and sacred places in Iraq.

Welcoming the Foreign Minister, the Iraqi Interior Minister thanked the Pakistani leadership and people of Pakistan for their support to the Iraqi brothers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

He assured that his government will provide all possible cooperation on issues of mutual interest.