It was revealed on Monday that Pakistan and Iraq have reached agreements to do away with visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders of both nations.
Foreign Minister of Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who had arrived on Monday in Baghdad city on business, verified the development.
According to the Pakistani foreign office, Bilawal landed in Baghdad for a three-day visit where he is scheduled to meet with the Iraqi government and lay the cornerstone for Pakistan’s own embassy building.
FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Official Visit To Iraq
On arrival, the Pakistani foreign minister was welcomed by the deputy foreign minister of Iraq, Muhammad Hussain Bahr-ul-Uloom, the Pakistani ambassador to Iraq, Ahmed Amjad Ali, and other top embassy representatives.
During discussions with Dr Fuad Hussein, the Iraqi deputy prime minister, and other officials, the Pakistani foreign minister discussed strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. The Pakistani foreign minister had a busy day.
“Two MOUs (memoranda of understanding) have been signed between Pakistan and Iraq during the visit of FM [Bhutto-Zardari],” the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement.
“MOU to enhance cultural cooperation & visa abolition on diplomatic and official passports,” the Foreign Office detailed on Twitter.
Bhutto-Zardari will tour sites of historical significance while in Iraq, lay the cornerstone for Pakistan’s own embassy building, and concentrate on areas where both nations may benefit from each other’s knowledge.
I signed today two MoUs bet. ????????& ???????? during my bilat. visit. MoUs will further enhance cultural cooperation & waive the visa requirement for dip. & official passports holders of ????????& ???????? which will further promote people to people contacts. pic.twitter.com/idH4Y5jYNI
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 5, 2023
A diplomatic passport is a unique kind of passport given to government representatives, often diplomats, who are going abroad on business.
While they are representing their nation abroad, it grants them various privileges and immunities, including expedited entrance and diplomatic protection.
For bearers of regular, official, and diplomatic passports, Pakistan has visa abolition agreements with a number of nations. However, the recent deal with Iraq will make it easier and more convenient for Pakistani diplomats and normal people to visit the country without a visa.
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