Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Islamabad on April 22, on a pivotal three-day trip to Pakistan to strengthen the already close ties between the two neighboring countries, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Raisi was accompanied by his spouse, a high-ranking delegation of cabinet members, and a contingent of businesspersons. Upon his arrival at Islamabad Airport, he was received by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu.
It is the first visit by any head of state to Pakistan following the country’s general elections in February 2024.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a warm welcome to the Iranian President at the Prime Minister’s House, where the two leaders exchanged greetings and good wishes.
A guard of honor was presented to President Raisi by a Pakistan Army contingent.
During the visit, Raisi is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s Prime Minister, President, Senate Chairman, and National Assembly Speaker. He will also visit Karachi and Lahore to engage with provincial leaderships of Punjab and Sindh.
Raisi also met Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two leaders deliberated on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, touching upon regional and global developments. Both reaffirmed commitment to fostering peace and engaging in constructive dialogue to address regional challenges.
In a symbolic gesture to commemorate Earth Day, Raisi and Sharif planted a sapling at the Prime Minister’s House.
Pakistan and Iran agree to increase trade to $10 billion
Raisi announced to boost trade between Iran and Pakistan to a substantial $10 billion, highlighting that the existing trade volume was “not acceptable” and needs to be improved.
“We are committed to strengthening relations at high levels. […] Economic and trade volume between Iran and Pakistan is not acceptable at all. We have decided as a first step to increase the trade volume between our two countries to $10bn,” he said during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He also emphasized the significance of economic ties between Iran and Pakistan.
President Raisi and Prime Minister Sharif expressed their mutual commitment to strengthening political, economic, trade, and cultural ties.
Joint efforts against terrorism
On the security front, both leaders reiterated their determination to combat terrorism, organized crime, narcotics, and other forms of insecurity.
“Both countries are determined to fight against terrorism, organised crime, narcotics and different forms and manifestations of insecurity which endanger our two countries and at the same time the region,” Raisi said.
Raisi acknowledged that while there may be some individuals opposed to enhancing bilateral relations, their opinions were inconsequential.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed Raisi’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of resilient Pak-Iran ties despite the challenges both countries face.
Signing of 8 MoUs
Pakistan and Iran also signed eight agreements and MoUs for cooperation in diverse fields including security, judicial assistance, veterinary and animal health, as well as film exchanges and special economic zones.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was inked to establish a special economic zone.
- Another MOU focused on fostering collaboration in film exchanges between Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Iran’s Organization of Cinema and Audiovisual Affairs.
- The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis collaborated with Iran’s Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare
- The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority partnered with Iran’s National Standards Organization
- Additionally, an MOU was finalized to bolster legal cooperation between the two nations.
The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Iranian President and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Key Highlights of the visit of Iranian President
- Iranian President Dr. Raisi and his spouse arrived in Islamabad on April 22
- Iranian president is accompanied by a high-level delegation
- Raisi will visit different cities including Lahore and Karachi
- The visit is focused on expanding trade and exports
- The 7.5 billion 2775-km-long Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline will come under discussion
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