ISLAMABAD, Dec 7: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday there was tremendous potential for trade and commerce between Pakistan and Iraq and the two countries needed to fully exploit it for mutual benefit.

He was talking to Speaker of Iraq’s Assembly Osama Abdul Aziz Al-Nujaifi here at the PM House.

The prime minister hoped that Mr Al-Nujaifi’s visit would provide a new impetus to the parliamentary relations between the two countries. “Parliaments of both the countries can play an important role in addressing the problems confronted by their peoples.”

Mr Sharif said a stable Iraq was in the interest of Iraqi people, the region and international peace and security.

He said Pakistan and Iraq enjoyed traditional and friendly relations and Pakistan welcomed lifting of sanctions on Iraq by the United Nations Security Council. He hoped that it would lead to development and progress in Iraq.

Mr Sharif expressed best wishes for peace, prosperity and stability of Iraq. Mr Al-Nujaifi thanked the prime minister for the warm hospitality extended to him and expressed the hope that parliamentary relations between the two countries would be further strengthened.—APP