Pezeshkian’s go to marks the second time an Iranian president has visited Pakistan in lower than two years

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official go to, marking his first journey to Islamabad since taking workplace, as per Daybreak.

 Upon arrival in Lahore, Pezeshkian was warmly acquired by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

 Throughout his go to, Pezeshkian is anticipated to satisfy with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He may also pay a go to to Mazar-i-Iqbal, a monument in Lahore, Daybreak reported, citing PTV Information.

 Forward of his journey, Pakistan yesterday pledged to assist defuse tensions between Iran and the US, in accordance with Daybreak.

 Pezeshkian’s go to marks the second time an Iranian president has visited Pakistan in lower than two years, following late President Ebrahim Raisi’s journey in April 2024, only a month earlier than he died in a helicopter crash.

 Based on Iran’s state media IRNA, earlier than departing for Pakistan, Pezeshkian emphasised the plan to raise their annual commerce exchanges to USD 10 billion. The 2 international locations had agreed in April final 12 months to spice up commerce over the following 5 years.

 The president termed the commerce relations between Tehran and Islamabad as “good” and recognized boosting commerce with Pakistan through land, air and sea as priorities for this journey, the report added.

 “Via Pakistan, Iran can connect with the Silk Street linking China and Pakistan, and the route can then lengthen by means of Iran to Europe,” he stated.

 Pezeshkian additional famous that the 2 neighbours have “loved good, pleasant, and deep-rooted relations” since Pakistan’s independence.

 “The 2 international locations cooperate in financial, scientific, cultural, and border areas, and a deep bond exists between the individuals of each side,” he stated.

 Nevertheless, the Iran-Pakistan border has lengthy been a supply of rigidity, with each international locations accusing one another of supporting militant teams. The area is residence to ethnic Baloch separatists who’ve been concerned in armed struggles towards the respective governments.

 In January 2024, Iran launched missile strikes in Pakistan, focusing on the Jaish al-Adl militant group, which Iran claims is answerable for earlier assaults inside its borders. Pakistan condemned the strikes as a “blatant breach” of its sovereignty.

 Pakistan responded with its cross-border missile strikes on alleged terrorist sanctuaries in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, focusing on the Balochistan Liberation Military and Balochistan Liberation Entrance.

 The clashes could have an effect on commerce and financial relations between the 2 international locations, together with initiatives just like the Chabahar port.

 Pezeshkian had left for Pakistan earlier as we speak. He’s accompanied by a high-level delegation, together with Iran’s Overseas Minister Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers and different high-ranking officers.

(ANI)