Islamabad, The advisor to PM on Aviation Air Marshal (retd) Farhat Hussain Khan met with Ambassador of Iraq in Pakistan His Excellency Hamid Abbas Lafta today at embassy of Iraq in Islamabad. The both sides exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest including waiver of visa fee for pilgrims during Ashura and Arbaeen.

The advisor also expressed Pakistan’s commitment to further enhance process for approval of extra bilateral flights during Moharram through mutual discussions.

The advisor also exchanged his views to revise the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between two countries to modernize the outdated text of ASA.

The advisor also communicated Pakistan’s interest in engaging with Iraq for granting of 5th freedom rights to Pakistan’s air carriers for operation to and from Iraq. He emphasized the mutual benefits of enhancing air connectivity to enhance the potential for increased trade and tourism. The ambassador of Iraq reiterated the commitment of his govt to grant 5th freedom right to Pakistani airlines.

The both sides reiterated their firm resolve to further strengthen their bilateral ties particularly in aviation sector and agreed to continue the consistent meetings. The secretary captain (retd) Saif Anjum also attended the meeting. Almost three hundred thousands Pakistani annually visit to brotherly republic of Iraq.