Pakistan wants to increase cooperation with Iraq: PM Imran Khan

• Imran Khan appreciates Iraq's efforts to rebuild country. 
• Discussion takes place on bilateral relations and furthering mutual cooperation. 
• Iraqi foreign minister extends Iraqi leadership's invite to PM Imran Khan to visit Iraq.  

ISLAMABAD: The Iraqi foreign minister and Prime Minister Imran Khan met on Thursday to discuss Pakistan's bilateral relations and furthering mutual cooperation with Iraq, reported The News. 

Visiting Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a two-day visit at the invitation of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. 

Dr Hussain was welcomed warmly by PM Khan, who reaffirmed Pakistan's close ties with Iraq and said they were founded on faith and culture. 

Talking to Hussein, the premier appreciated Iraq's efforts to rebuild the country and conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming parliamentary elections. 

The Prime Minister reiterated that his invitation extends to the Iraqi Prime Minister and expressed a desire for the visit to happen soon. 

In the regional context, the PM highlighted the importance of resolving issues with dialogue and diplomacy. 

Discussing Afghanistan, it was reiterated that in Pakistan's view there is no military solution and the only way forward is a negotiated political solution. 

The prime minister urged the international community to reinforce settlement efforts in Afghanistan as peace in the country was a shared responsibility. 

Hussein extended the Iraqi leadership's greetings to the prime minister and affirmed Iraq's desire of forging a stronger relationship with Pakistan. He conveyed the Iraqi prime minister's invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Iraq. 

Hussein highlighted Iraq's efforts to reduce tensions within the region and promote cooperation among regional countries. The prime minister expressed Pakistan's support for Iraq's efforts.