Iraqi President Barham Salih said that the world and the region are facing challenges posed by terrorism and extremism, including recent escalation in tensions.
Saleh 's remarks came during his meeting with the Pakistani Minister of Military Production, Zubaida Jalal, and her accompanying delegation at al-Salam Palace in Baghdad.
The President asserted the importance of promoting bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Pakistan in the defense field.
Both countries would benefit from the shared expertise of their military institutions, he said, adding that it would also help Iraq develop the capacities of its armed forces.
“International cooperation was also necessary to deal with the escalation of tensions that impact international security and stability.”
For her part, the Pakistani minister affirmed her country's commitment to supporting Iraq and consolidating bilateral relations and military cooperation in the field of developing and training Iraqi armed forces.
Recently, the ISIS terror group increased its operations in Iraq, including an attack by two suicide bombers who blew themselves in Baghdad, killing dozens and injuring hundreds.
A second attack occurred in al-Eith of Saladin governorate where ISIS terrorists killed and wounded dozens of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
In response, the Iraqi government began devising plans to confront the new challenge, prompting Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to relocate a number of security and military units.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi forces launched a security operation to pursue ISIS cells in Saladin governorate.
The PMF issued a statement announcing that the 9th Brigade began a security operation in the region to fight terrorists.
The statement indicated that the security operation uncovered several hideouts belonging to ISIS remnants.
The units also removed improvised explosive devices planted on the roads and found a tunnel that served as a refuge for terrorists.
Also, Anbar MP Naim al-Kaoud downplayed the “increased risk” of ISIS activity in the province, saying that the return of ISIS under any pretext is rejected by locals.
Terrorist groups are located in the vast desert areas and the security forces and tribes are pursuing them, he explained, stressing that civilians' acceptance of the security services helped in thwarting many operations.
Head of the Iraq Institute for Strategic Studies and security expert Moataz Mohieddin told Asharq Al-Awsat that confronting ISIS requires international cooperation, noting that it is not just the responsibility of Baghdad.
Mohieddin explained that the organization has various cells that pose a serious security threat which should not be underestimated.
The expert warned that the terrorist organization still poses a threat and carries out operations, even after the Iraqi security services' victory.
