Baghdad: First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, has expressed Iraq’s keen interest in developing strategic partnerships with Pakistan, focusing on the sectors of energy, reconstruction, and investment.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Mandalawi, during a meeting with a delegation from Pakistan’s Muslim Unity Party led by Secretary-General and Senate member Sheikh Raja Nasir Abbas Jafari, emphasized the significance of enhancing bilateral relations to benefit both nations. The meeting was also attended by Iraqi MP Ali Al-Saedi.

Al-Mandalawi highlighted the vital role of activating joint parliamentary committees between Iraq and Pakistan as a crucial step towards broadening cooperation across various domains. He underscored the necessity of increasing trade exchange volumes, reviving the oil pipeline project from Basra to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, and establishing refineries and power stations that would benefit both countries and the wider region. Additionally, he expressed the desire to open new markets, boost direct flights, and attract Pakistani investment in Iraq’s reconstruction efforts.

The statement from Al-Mandalawi’s media office further noted that Iraq could gain valuable insights from Pakistan’s advancements in military and defense industries. He also pointed out the importance of addressing regional challenges, particularly the Palestinian issue, to enhance security collaboration and foster a unified approach among Islamic nations to tackle the risks and challenges facing the Muslim world.