ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their ties in the defence sector and expand the scope of military cooperation.
The commitment was expressed during meetings of Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza with Iraqi leadership, including Prime Minister Mohammad Shia’ Al Sudani, Defence Minister Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi, Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al Shammari and Chief of Defence Forces General Abdul Ameer Rasheed Yar Allah in Baghdad, Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.
Both sides discussed key areas of interest, including security, defence cooperation and the current regional environment. They also explored ways to expand the scope of military cooperation between the two countries.
The Iraqi civil and military leadership praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Earlier media office of the Iraqi Prime Minister reported that Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza to discuss avenues of cooperation between the two nations.
It said the talks covered security, counter-terrorism efforts, cybersecurity, military industry localization, training, and the use of artificial intelligence in defence.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s commitment to expanding partnerships with Pakistan, building on the “strong historical, social, cultural, and economic ties” between the two countries.
He also called for unity among Arab and Islamic nations to address the crisis in Gaza, stating the urgent need “to end the aggression on Gaza and prevent the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.”
In turn, General Mirza extended greetings from the Pakistani Prime Minister and applauded Iraq’s progress in counter-terrorism, economic development, and infrastructure rebuilding. “He also praised Iraq’s constructive regional role in promoting security and stability across the region,” said the Iraqi PM’s media office.
