Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit, his first since assuming office. He was warmly received at Lahores Allama Iqbal International Airport by Pakistan Muslim League-N president Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, reported Express News.
Dr. Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high -level delegation, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior minister and other senior officials. According to the Foreign Office, Iranian leader will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation levels with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his stay.
In a speech with the media before his visit, President Pezeshkian said that the primary goal of his journey was to improve trade and financial cooperation. He said that issues of border security and regional peace would also be discussed, adding that cross -border markets and connectivity could open new opportunities for collaboration.
He expressed hope of raising the bilateral trade to $ 10 billion and repeated Iran’s interest in actively participating in the China -Pakistan belt and the road initiative, which he said could serve as a bridge connecting Iran with Europe. He also confirmed that attempts to undermine Pakistan – Iran Islamic Unit would have failed.
In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a two-day visit to Iran as part of his regional tour to friendly nations aimed at expressing gratitude for their support during the conflict with India. During the visit, he met with supreme leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Pezeshkian.
The discussions focused on strengthening the relations between Pakistan-Iran, with special emphasis on improving trade and regional connection. Both sides also addressed wider regional issues and recognized Iran’s efforts to promote peace during the war imposed on Pakistan by India.
