-Jumaah Enad also calls on CJCSC
-Iraqi minister lauds professionalism of Pakistani Armed Forces
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Defence Minister of Iraq Jumaah Enad Saadoon met here Friday and discussed overall situation in the region. The two Ministers reaffirmed the mutual desire to further promote and solidify existing bilateral relations, the Foreign Office said.
Foreign Minister Qureshi welcomed the Iraqi Defence Minister and underscored the importance accorded by Pakistan to its fraternal ties with Iraq. Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal was also present.
Stressing the need for frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries, the Foreign Minister hoped that the visit of the Iraqi Defence Minister would help diversify and deepen collaboration between the two countries in the fields of defence and also the defence production.
Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s support for sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. Pakistan and Iraq enjoy warm and friendly ties, rooted deep in shared faith, values and culture. Both countries cooperate closely in regional and multilateral fore. The Iraqi Defence Minister is on a four-day visit to Pakistan till February 27. The visit is expected to bolster defence cooperation between the two countries, the Foreign Office said.
Later on Friday Defence Minister of Iraq lauded the professionalism of Pakistani Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in fight against terrorism.
The Iraqi Defence Minister who was on official visit to Pakistan, called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza here at Joint Staff Headquarters, said a statement of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Matters of bilateral professional interest and further strengthening of security and defence cooperation between the two countries were discussed during the meeting, it added. Both sides also deliberated upon prevailing international and regional security environment.
Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned out tri-services contingent presented ‘Guard of Honour’ to the visiting dignitary.
