In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, Iraq and Pakistan have agreed to formalize a sister-city arrangement between Baghdad and Islamabad. The agreement was reached during a cordial meeting between H.E. Abdul Qadir Suleiman Al-Himeiri, Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, and Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and Director General Civil Defence, at CDA Headquarters in Islamabad. Both officials discussed a range of mutual interests, particularly focusing on enhancing cooperation through city-level linkages, cultural exchanges, and sustainable development initiatives.
During the meeting, H.E. Abdul Qadir Suleiman Al-Himeiri conveyed his appreciation for the CDA’s impressive efforts under Muhammad Ali Randhawa’s leadership. He acknowledged the CDA’s role in the development, beautification, and environmental sustainability of Islamabad, highlighting the positive impact these measures have had on the capital city.
One of the key outcomes of the discussions was the consensus to officially declare Baghdad and Islamabad as sister cities through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to foster lasting people-to-people contacts, promote cultural exchange, and encourage collaboration in municipal management and urban regeneration. The MoU is expected to lay a structured foundation for cooperation in areas including heritage conservation, infrastructure improvement, beautification of public spaces, and knowledge-sharing regarding sustainable urban planning.
Highlighting Iraq’s enthusiasm for this partnership, Ambassador Al-Himeiri expressed keen interest in sharing relevant experiences and exploring opportunities for joint initiatives that could further bolster economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two capitals.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa informed the Iraqi envoy about ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize Islamabad’s Diplomatic Enclave. He detailed plans being implemented under the guidance of Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi to elevate the enclave to international standards, ensuring it serves as a secure, distinguished hub for diplomatic missions and cultural engagements. Randhawa mentioned that renowned landscape experts and leading architects have been engaged to achieve the desired standards and further enhance the aesthetic beauty and functionality of the Diplomatic Enclave. H.E. Abdul Qadir Suleiman Al-Himeiri commended these efforts and expressed appreciation for CDA’s proactive steps in revitalizing the area.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman Randhawa reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong determination to foster an enduring partnership with Iraq, based on shared values, mutual respect, and fruitful collaboration. Ambassador Al-Himeiri likewise affirmed Iraq’s commitment to advancing agreed areas of cooperation, expressing full support to jointly realize landmark projects for mutual benefit.
To mark the occasion and symbolize the growing friendship between the two nations, Muhammad Ali Randhawa presented a commemorative souvenir to H.E. Abdul Qadir Suleiman Al-Himeiri. The gesture underlined both parties’ shared aspirations to deepen and expand bilateral relations further.
