ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday underscored the need for mutual cooperation between Iraq and Pakistan to counter the menace of terrorism affecting Middle East and South Asia alike, said a message received from Baghdad. Talking to Iraqi President Fuad Masum in a meeting held in Baghdad, Ayaz Sadiq discussed the prevailing issues regarding strengthening security, enhancement of trade and human resource development through mutual cooperation between both the countries. Referring to brotherly ties between Iraq and Pakistan, he said that further coordination in trade, economic and social sectors would strengthen the relations resulting in welfare of both the nations. Pertaining to the recent state of affairs of Middle East, Afghanistan and the whole South Asian region, the meeting of both dignitaries remained much focused on the vibrant role that both the countries need to play in ameliorating the sufferings of the people of this region and the third world. The NA speaker praised the efforts by Iraqi government to counter the security challenges faced by Iraq He said that consistent struggle would surely help Iraqi government to rescue the country from the whirlpool of security related concerns. In that context the valour of the armed forces of Pakistan was also praised with due integrity and appreciation by the host president. He said the Pakistan Army had rightly dealt with the war torn areas of north Pakistan through Zarb-e-Azb operation. The Iraqi president agreed with Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on expanding coordination for mutual working in almost all the demanding fields of modern world. He appreciated Pakistan’s offer to provide the services of educated and skilled youth to participate in the development and prosperity of Iraq in information technology, services and education.