President Mamnoon Hussain has said that
Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and Netherlands and
is keen to expand ties with both the countries in all fields including
economic, culture and education.
The
President said this while talking to the Outgoing Ambassador of Iraq
Dr. Ali Al-Rahmani and Ambassador-designate to Netherlands Shujjat Ali Rathore
who called on him separately here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday.
The
President emphasized that resumption of air links with Iraq is a priority for
Pakistan which will benefit the people of both countries. It will bring the
people of two countries closer and will also award them an opportunity to have
better understanding of each other, he added. He underlined that Pakistan
desires to enhance cooperation with Iraq in several sectors including trade,
education and culture. He highlighted that Iraq and Baghdad have extraordinary
importance in Islamic History as besides Medina, Baghdad was the other city
towards which Muslims used to travel for education.
The
President underscored that Pakistan is making all possible efforts to eradicate
extremism from the region and has also made historic achievements in this
regard. He stated that Pakistan and Iraq are connected through great historical
and religious links which further deepen the relations between the two
countries. He called for increasing exchange of trade delegations to further
strengthen the people to people contacts between the two countries.
While
appreciating the interest of Iraq in CPEC, the President said that this project
will be a game changer for the entire region. The outgoing ambassador apprised
the President that Iraq is very much interested in CPEC and plans to work in
several projects related to energy.
While
speaking to the Ambassador-designate Shujjat Ali Rathore, the President stated
that Pakistan has historical trade links with Netherlands which further
strengthens the relation between the two countries. He pointed out that these
relations can be expanded by attracting the Investors from Netherlands to
invest in Pakistan.
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