Pakistan, Iraq have immense potential for economic ties: FM

ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (DNA): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has
said Pakistan and Iraq have immense potential for economic and security
cooperation as well as cultural and religious engagements.

In an interview he said both countries have more
enhanced cooperation in security and defence as the two nations have
faced the menace of terrorist and they can learn from each other.

Regarding cultural and religious ties, the Foreign Minister said he is
working on enhancing these relations as we are working on easing visas
for religious tourism in Iraq. He said there is a groundbreaking for
opening embassy in Baghdad and we are also working on opening a
consulate in Najaf soon.

Talking about the scope for economic cooperation between Iraq and
Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said there is great potential for
investment on both sides. He said Iraqi government is working on
diversifying its economy. He said Iraq is working on construction of a
development corridor and he has requested the Iraqi side to include
Pakistan into this initiative.

To a question, the Foreign Minister said we are trying our level best to
build a climate resilient Pakistan in the wake of recent devastating
floods in the country. At the same time we are engaging with the IMF to
finalize a programme. He said once an IMF programme is in place, we will
receive more resources from multilateral bodies as pledged by them to
help Pakistan’s flood hit people.

Answering a question regarding Afghanistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said
Pakistan’s position is in line with the international community and we
requested the interim government in Kabul to fulfill their pledges with
the international community, including honouring women’s rights and
ensuring that their soil should not to be used by terrorists or to
conduct terrorist activities against other countries. He, however, urged
the international community to engage with the Afghan interim
authorities as a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the best
interest of everyone.

Replying queries regarding Pakistan’s relations with Russia and China,
the Foreign Minister said his country is committed to engage with all
the countries, including Russia. He said Pakistan wants to develop
meaningful relations and enhance economic ties with Russia. He added
that at the same time we maintain our neutrality and don’t want to get
drawn into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As far as Pakistan’s
relations with China are concerned, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said
Islamabad has always and will continue to enhance its cooperation with
Beijing.

Welcoming the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Foreign
Minister said it is a positive development for the whole region and the
world at large. He said we are optimistic that through negotiations they
will be able to resolve all issues and that we will see the dividends of
peace in the region.