Pakistan, Iran agree on joint efforts to eradicate terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, in a meeting at the PM House on Monday, agreed to bolster bilateral relations in diverse fields, particularly in combating terrorism in the region.

The meeting saw a comprehensive exchange on enhancing Iran-Pakistan relations across various sectors, underscoring the significance of fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

Key areas of discussion included strategies to augment trade volumes and bolster communication networks, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing economic collaboration, the official news agency reported.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the historical significance of President Raisi’s visit, marking it as the first head of state visit to Pakistan following the February 2024 general elections, a gesture warmly embraced by the Pakistani nation.

President Raisi is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan and is accompanied by a delegation comprising ministers and businessmen.

The visit underscores the depth of bilateral engagement between the two countries.

During his stay, President Raisi is also scheduled to hold meetings with the president, Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker, as well as provincial leadership in Lahore and Karachi, emphasising the comprehensive nature of his engagement with Pakistan.

The agenda for the visit encompasses discussions on regional and global developments, with a particular focus on elevating Pakistan-Iran ties across multiple fronts, including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and fostering people-to-people contacts.

Earlier, President Raisi was given a guard of honour as he arrived here at the PM House to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the visiting dignitary on his arrival at the venue for the formal welcome ceremony.

The national anthems of both countries were played as the Iranian president stood at the salute dais along with the prime minister.

The smartly turned-out contingents of the armed forces presented a guard of honor to President Raisi.

PM Shehbaz and President Raisi planted a sapling at the lawns of the PM House in connection with the Earth Day.

Later, both Iranian President Raisi and Prime Minister Shehbaz introduced their respective delegations to each other before proceeding for the tete-a-tete and delegation-level talks.

As the Iranian president landed at the Nur Khan Airbase, a red carpet was rolled out to accord him a warm welcome. Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada received the guest.

Clad in traditional attire, two children presented a bouquet of flowers to the dignitary.