On this photograph launched by the Prime Minister’s Workplace, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, proper, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, left, pray after planting a tree on the prime minister’s home in Islamabad , Pakistan, on Monday, April 22, 2024. | Photograph credit score: AP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on April 22 agreed on joint efforts to eradicate terrorism whereas discussing methods to advertise cooperation between their international locations, months after the 2 neighbors carried out tit-for-tat airstrikes towards alleged terrorist hideouts in rival territory. land.
Raisi, the primary Head of State of any nation to go to Pakistan after the February 8 basic elections, was acquired by Prime Minister Sharif on the Prime Minister Home, the place the Iranian chief inspected the Guard of Honour.
Throughout their talks, President Raisi and Prime Minister Sharif agreed on joint efforts to eradicate terrorism, Radio Pakistan reported.
He added that the 2 leaders additionally held talks to extend commerce and communication hyperlinks between their international locations.
In a joint press convention, Iranian President Raisi stated that the prevailing bilateral commerce quantity is “not acceptable,” including that Iran and Pakistan have determined to extend the commerce quantity to $10 billion.
“We’re dedicated to strengthening relations at excessive ranges… The financial and commerce quantity between Iran and Pakistan isn’t acceptable. We’ve got determined as a primary step to extend the commerce quantity between our two international locations to 10 billion {dollars},” Raisi stated. .
For his half, Sharif known as for strengthening ties between Pakistan and Iran regardless of the challenges. “We’ve got to maintain this relationship sturdy regardless of the challenges we each face,” he stated.
Sharif stated he held detailed talks with President Raisi on “non secular, cultural, diplomatic, funding and safety points” throughout their assembly.
He described Raisi as an “ocean of political intelligence and knowledge” and stated Iran would progress even additional below his management.
“Pakistan and Iran can prosper and our borders can see progress,” Sharif stated, expressing hope that the shared border may be tailored for commerce and enterprise.
He expressed hope that the connection between the neighbors can be “agency and secure,” noting that as we speak was a chance to “make this friendship a contented and affluent friendship.”
Prime Minister Sharif and President Raisi planted a tree on the garden of the Prime Minister Home because the world commemorated Earth Day on April 22.
Sharif was quoted as saying that the complete nation welcomed the go to of the Iranian president, whereas Raisi expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for the nice and cozy welcome prolonged to him. Radio Pakistan reported.
Mr Raisi, who arrived in Pakistan on a three-day official go to to advertise cooperation, acquired a heat welcome at Islamabad airport and was acquired by Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan. Iran, Mudassir Tipu, Ministry of International Affairs. Points posted on social media platform X.
The Iranian president is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation consisting of the International Minister and different members of the Cupboard and senior officers, the International Ministry stated.
Shortly after Mr. Raisi’s arrival, International Minister Ishaq Dar visited the Iranian president in Islamabad, the place they mentioned bilateral relations in addition to regional and world developments. Radio Pakistan reported.
Raisi and Dar “emphasised the significance of intensifying efforts to additional consolidate bilateral relations in numerous fields,” he stated, including that additionally they “affirmed the dedication to peace and constructive dialogue to resolve regional challenges.”
President Raisi has an in depth program in Pakistan and is scheduled to fulfill President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate President Yusuf Raza Gilani and Nationwide Meeting Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
He may even go to Lahore and Karachi and meet provincial leaders, the Ministry of Exterior Affairs stated.
“The 2 leaders will take part in a ceremony to call a highway in Islamabad as Iran Avenue,” Radio Pakistan he stated earlier, including that the Prime Minister would additionally host a lunch for the Iranian President and his delegation.
“The 2 sides may have a far-reaching agenda to additional strengthen ties between Pakistan and Iran and improve cooperation in numerous fields, together with commerce, connectivity, vitality, agriculture and people-to-people contacts,” the assertion stated. of FO.
The talks will deal with regional and world developments and bilateral cooperation to fight the widespread risk of terrorism.
Pakistan and Iran get pleasure from sturdy bilateral ties anchored in historical past, tradition and faith. This go to gives an vital alternative to additional strengthen relations between Pakistan and Iran, in keeping with the Ministry of International Affairs.
Raisi is visiting Pakistan months after cordial ties between the 2 neighbors suffered a setback when Tehran shocked Islamabad by finishing up airstrikes on suspected militant hideouts within the restive Balochistan province in January.
Pakistan responded rapidly by utilizing drones and killer rockets to hold out “precision army strikes” towards what it known as “terrorist hideouts” in Iran’s Siestan-Baluchistan province, killing 9 folks.
Nonetheless, either side moved rapidly to regulate tempers by diplomatic channels. Raisi’s go to is anticipated to additional cement their ties.
