ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday extended heartfelt congratulations to Ali al-Zaidi on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Iraq, expressing confidence in his leadership at a pivotal time.
In a statement on X, PM Sharif conveyed his warm wishes to his Iraqi counterpart as he assumes office.
The prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen its longstanding relations with Iraq, underscoring shared aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.
Five months on from legislative elections, Iraqi President Nizar Amede nominated businessman Zaidi as prime minister-designate on Monday, giving him the daunting task of putting a cabinet together in the next 30 days amid fierce political wrangling.
The nomination came after months of deadlock due to Trump's opposition to two-time former premier Maliki, who has close ties to Iran.
Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq that overthrew former ruler Saddam Hussein, the US has held major sway in the country.
But the invasion has also paved the way for neighboring Iran to build its influence.
Since then, Iraq's leaders have struggled to balance relations between Washington and Tehran.
