President Asif Ali Zardari has begun a four-day official visit to Iraq, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade, energy, and diplomacy. The visit reflects Pakistan’s efforts to deepen ties with Middle Eastern and regional partners.
According to a post by the President’s House on X, President Zardari was warmly received at Baghdad International Airport by Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, who led the official reception along with senior officials from the Iraqi presidency.
An official welcoming ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 21 at Baghdad Palace. Following the ceremony, President Zardari will hold formal talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid. These discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. In addition, delegation-level talks between Pakistani and Iraqi officials are planned to cover a wide range of mutual interests.
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Pakistan and Iraq share longstanding diplomatic relations, built on shared faith, cultural links, and mutual respect. In recent years, both countries have shown interest in expanding cooperation beyond traditional diplomacy. Iraq, in particular, has been working to strengthen ties with Asian countries as part of its broader strategy to diversify international partnerships.
During his journey from Islamabad to Baghdad, President Zardari also conveyed a goodwill message to the Iranian leadership as his aircraft passed through Iranian airspace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and stronger regional relations, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation.
Earlier, in a curtain raiser issued by the Foreign Office (FO), it was stated that President Zardari is visiting Iraq at the invitation of President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid. The FO confirmed that the official visit will take place from December 20 to 24, 2025.
“The visit underscores the longstanding, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iraq, rooted in shared bonds of faith, culture, and mutual respect,” the Foreign Office said in its statement. It added that during the visit, the president will hold high-level meetings with Iraqi leadership to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.
Officials expect the visit to open new avenues for cooperation in energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people contacts. The discussions are also likely to focus on regional stability and cooperation within the broader Middle East region.
President Zardari’s visit is being seen as a positive step toward strengthening Pakistan-Iraq relations and enhancing Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in the region.
FAQs
1. Why is President Zardari visiting Iraq?
President Zardari is visiting Iraq to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in trade, energy, and diplomacy.
2. How long is the official visit to Iraq?
The visit is a four-day official tour from December 20 to 24, 2025.
3. Who welcomed President Zardari in Baghdad?
He was welcomed by Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, along with senior Iraqi officials.
4. What key meetings are planned during the visit?
President Zardari will hold talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid and participate in delegation-level discussions covering bilateral relations.
