President Asif Ali Zardari’s Iraq visit marks an important step in deepening diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and Iraq. The four-day official trip reflects Islamabad’s intent to expand cooperation with Baghdad across multiple sectors while reinforcing long-standing brotherly relations rooted in shared faith, culture, and mutual respect.
President Zardari arrived in Baghdad on December 20, where he was warmly received at Baghdad International Airport by Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, along with senior officials from the Iraqi presidency. His visit comes at the invitation of Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid and is seen as a significant diplomatic engagement at the highest level.
High-Level Engagements in Baghdad
An official welcoming ceremony is scheduled at Baghdad Palace, followed by bilateral talks between President Zardari and President Rashid. These meetings are expected to focus on reviewing the entire spectrum of Pakistan–Iraq relations and identifying practical ways to enhance cooperation.
Expanded delegation-level discussions will also take place, allowing officials from both sides to explore opportunities for collaboration in priority areas. The President Zardari Iraq visit is being viewed as a platform to translate goodwill into concrete outcomes that benefit both nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Pakistan and Iraq have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations for decades, but recent years have seen renewed efforts to broaden engagement. Iraq, in particular, is looking to strengthen ties with Asian partners as it works toward economic diversification and post-conflict reconstruction.
During the visit, discussions are expected to cover trade and investment, energy cooperation, reconstruction support, manpower export, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Religious tourism is also a key area of interest, given the large number of Pakistani pilgrims who travel to Iraq each year to visit holy sites.
Officials believe the President Zardari Iraq visit will help create new avenues for economic collaboration, especially in sectors where Pakistan has expertise and Iraq has growing needs.
Regional and International Dimensions
In addition to bilateral matters, the talks will also touch upon regional and international developments. Both countries share concerns about regional stability and are keen to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums.
While en route from Islamabad to Baghdad, President Zardari sent a goodwill message to Iran’s leadership as his aircraft passed through Iranian airspace. The message reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional solidarity, mutual respect, and stronger ties with neighboring countries. This gesture underscored Pakistan’s broader diplomatic approach of maintaining balanced and friendly relations across the region.
Historical and Cultural Bonds
The Foreign Office, in a statement issued ahead of the visit, emphasized that Pakistan and Iraq share deep-rooted bonds based on faith, culture, and shared values. These connections have historically shaped warm and cordial relations between the two nations.
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Baghdad on a four-day official visit to Iraq. He was received by Culture Minister, Dr. Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani. During the visit, meetings with senior Iraqi leadership are expected to advance cooperation further strengthen 🇵🇰-🇮🇶 relations. pic.twitter.com/a8coASfF5U
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 20, 2025
The President Zardari Iraq visit is also expected to strengthen people-to-people linkages. Cultural exchanges, educational cooperation, and increased interaction between business communities are seen as vital components of a sustainable partnership.
Focus on Future-Oriented Partnership
Pakistan’s leadership has described the visit as part of a results-oriented and forward-looking strategy. Rather than symbolic diplomacy alone, the goal is to build a strategic partnership that contributes to Iraq’s stability and development while opening new opportunities for Pakistan.
Economic cooperation is likely to be a central theme, particularly in light of Iraq’s reconstruction needs and Pakistan’s skilled workforce. Enhanced manpower collaboration could benefit both sides, providing employment opportunities for Pakistanis and skilled labor for Iraqi projects.
A Step Toward Regional Stability
The President Zardari Iraq visit also carries broader regional significance. Stronger ties between Pakistan and Iraq can contribute to greater stability and cooperation in the wider Middle East and South Asia regions. Both countries have consistently supported peaceful solutions to regional conflicts and emphasized dialogue over confrontation.
As the visit progresses, observers expect announcements or understandings that will further institutionalize cooperation mechanisms between the two governments.
President Asif Ali Zardari’s official visit to Iraq is more than a routine diplomatic engagement. It represents a renewed commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Iraq relations through meaningful dialogue, economic collaboration, and people-to-people connections. By focusing on shared interests and future opportunities, the President Zardari Iraq visit has the potential to lay the groundwork for a stronger, more dynamic partnership that benefits both nations and contributes to regional peace and prosperity.
