Pakistan-Iraq keen to enhance bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD (WNAM REPORT): Speaking at a seminar at the Institute of Regional Studies Islamabad, Ayatollah Sayed Izz Uddin Al-Hakim, a high ranking religious scholar heading an Iraqi ulema delegation to Pakistan stated that Iraq was keen to expand relations with Pakistan in all areas, including promotion of interfaith harmony. The delegation comprised Iraqi professors, scholars, academicians and researchers.
Ayatollah Izz Uddin who hails from the influential Al-Hakim family of Iraq expressed desire for enhanced interaction with Pakistan in multiple sectors. While highlighting Iraq’s progress in post-2003 period, Ayatollah Izz Uddin admitted Iraq’s difficult journey which was marked by sectarian clashes, rise of terrorism, plunging economy and political instability. He, however, expressed optimism about Iraq’s future given that the country was inordinately blessed with natural resources.
Ayatollah Izz Uddin also noted that Iraqi society, comprising various faiths and ethnicities, laid graet emphasis on mutual respect, and there was no space for sectarian strife. Highlighting his country’s geo strategic importance in the region, Ayatollah Izz Uddin noted that Iraq’s geography provided opportunity for the Gulf states, Iran and Pakistan to connect with Turkey and Europe.
While expressing satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations he also stressed upon the need for promoting people to people contacts.
President IRS, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, reciprocated Ayotallah’s sentiments and underlined the huge potential that exists for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Iraq. He also noted that the two countries had a similar vision of connectivity and should join hands. While recognizing the importance of expandinng bilateral economic relations, Ambassador Jauhar noted that greater interaction between the private sectors was the way forward. He also expressed willingness to work with scholars and research institutions in Iraq to foster research collaboration and promote interfaith harmony.