Iraq and Pakistan today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation between the foreign service academies of both countries. The MoU was signed by the Iraqi undersecretary for political affairs and the director-general of the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan, and witnessed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Dr Saleh Hussein Ali Al-Tamimi, the undersecretary for political affairs at the Iraqi foreign ministry, called on Shah Mahmood Qureshi earlier today, the ministry of foreign affairs revealed in a press statement.
The foreign minister warmly welcomed Dr Al-Tamimi and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong and fraternal ties with Iraq. He said Pakistan accorded priority to its bilateral relations with Iraq, and was desirous of further enhancing and diversifying these ties in all fields. He hoped that close collaboration between the two countries in regional and multilateral fora will continue to strengthen in the years ahead. Recalling the recent ministerial visits from both sides, Qureshi underscored the importance of maintaining the positive momentum in high-level bilateral interactions, the statement said.
Conveying warm wishes from the Iraqi leadership, Dr Al-Tamimi thanked the government of Pakistan for dispatching COVID-related assistance to Iraq in March 2021. He added that this brotherly gesture was well-received by the government and people of Iraq. He further welcomed Pakistan’s intention to forge closer ties with Iraq, and assured the foreign minister of full cooperation and support.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance high-level interactions, work towards developing frameworks in various fields of cooperation, and hold the 9th session of the Joint Ministerial Commission at the earliest.
Following the meeting, the foreign minister witnessed the signing of an MoU on cooperation between the foreign service academies of the two countries, inked by the Iraqi undersecretary for political affairs and the director-general of the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan. The MoU provides a framework of collaboration for capacity building and training of diplomats of both countries, the foreign ministry stated.
“Pakistan and Iraq enjoy warm and friendly ties rooted in shared faith, values, and culture,” the ministry said. “Both countries cooperate closely in regional and multilateral fora. Both countries remain committed to expanding and intensifying bilateral cooperation.”
