ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Prime Minister’s Advisor on Aviation Air Marshal (retd) Farhat Hussain Khan met with the Iraqi Ambassador to Pakistan His Excellency Hamid Abbas Lafta in Islamabad on Monday.
The both sides exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest including waiver of visa fee for pilgrims during Ashura and Arbaeen.
![Iraq committed to grant 5th freedom right to Pakistani airlines: Envoy](https://dnd.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Prime-Ministers-Advisor-on-Aviation-Air-Marshal-retd-Farhat-Hussain-Khan-met-with-the-Iraqi-Ambassador-to-Pakistan-His-Excellency-Hamid-Abbas-Lafta-jpg.webp)
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The advisor also exchanged his views to revise the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between two countries to modernize the outdated text of ASA.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 Iraqi 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 government 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.
Annually, almost 300,000 Pakistani visit Iraq.