Pakistan and Iraq have recently signed agreements to eliminate visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders from both countries. The news was confirmed by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, during his official visit to Iraq.
Bilawal arrived in Baghdad for a three-day trip, during which he is scheduled to meet with Iraqi leaders and lay the foundation stone for Pakistan’s new embassy building, as stated by the Pakistani foreign office.
Upon his arrival, Bilawal was warmly received by Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Muhammad Hussain Bahr-ul-Uloom, Pakistan’s ambassador to Iraq, Ahmed Amjad Ali, and other senior officials from the Pakistani embassy.
During his busy day, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister held meetings with his Iraqi counterpart, Dr. Fuad Hussein, the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, and other officials. The discussions revolved around strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. As a result, two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed between Pakistan and Iraq, focusing on enhancing cultural cooperation and abolishing visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, according to a statement from the Pakistani foreign office.
Bhutto-Zardari’s visit to Iraq also includes the groundbreaking ceremony for Pakistan’s new embassy building. Additionally, he plans to explore places of historical importance and identify areas where both countries can benefit from each other’s expertise.
Diplomatic passports are special passports issued to government officials and diplomats who travel abroad for official purposes. These passports grant certain privileges and immunities, such as expedited entry and diplomatic protection, while representing their respective countries overseas. Although Pakistan already has visa abolition agreements with several countries for regular, official, and diplomatic passports, this new agreement with Iraq will facilitate visa-free travel for Pakistani diplomatic passport holders, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process.
