Islamabad and Baghdad have agreed to formalize a sister-city partnership aimed at enhancing cultural exchanges, fostering economic collaboration, and sharing expertise in sustainable urban development and municipal management. This significant agreement was discussed during a cordial meeting between Abdul Qadir Suleiman Al-Himeiri, Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, and Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman CDA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Director General of Civil Defence.
During the meeting at CDA Headquarters, both officials expressed their strong commitment towards strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing mutual cooperation. Ambassador Al-Himeiri commended the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for its considerable efforts and initiatives under the leadership of Mr. Randhawa, specifically in areas of urban development, environmental sustainability, and beautification projects in Islamabad.
A key topic on the agenda was the advancement of a formal twinning arrangement between Baghdad and Islamabad through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU will establish the two capitals as sister cities, setting the stage for enduring people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, and active collaboration in municipal services, infrastructure development, heritage conservation, and sustainable urban planning practices.
Ambassador Al-Himeiri conveyed Iraq’s strong interest in cooperating with Islamabad on shared initiatives and emphasized the importance of exchanging knowledge and experiences. He highlighted the possibilities of joint projects aimed at boosting economic opportunities, cultural interactions, and tourism ties between the two cities.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the Iraqi diplomat on ongoing measures to upgrade and modernize Islamabad’s Diplomatic Enclave, initiated on the directives of Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi. He stated that renowned architects and landscaping experts are involved in redeveloping the Diplomatic Enclave to achieve international standards, aiming to make it a secure, aesthetically appealing, and prestigious hub for diplomatic missions. Ambassador Al-Himeiri expressed great appreciation for these developments, recognizing CDA’s continuous commitment to create an exceptional environment for international missions.
Concluding the discussions, Mr. Randhawa reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to build a robust and mutually beneficial partnership with Iraq, anchored in shared values of respect and cooperation. Ambassador Al-Himeiri pledged full support from Iraq in actualizing the agreed areas of collaboration and expressed readiness to work closely with CDA on landmark initiatives for mutual benefit.
As a gesture symbolizing the growing friendship and cooperative spirit, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa presented Ambassador Al-Himeiri with a commemorative souvenir, reflecting the shared aspiration of both Islamabad and Baghdad to deepen their bilateral relationships further.
