ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived here on Monday on a three-day official visit to meet Pakistan's top leadership, the first visit by any head of state since the February 8 general elections in that country.
The Ministry of External Affairs
The Iranian President is accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation including the Foreign Minister and other cabinet members and senior officials, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
President Raisi has an extensive schedule in Pakistan as he is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.The Foreign Office said he would also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet the provincial leadership.
According to Radio Pakistan, Raisi will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today, while a round of delegation-level talks will also be held between the two countries.
"Upon reaching the Prime Minister's residence, the visiting dignitary will be given a guard of honour," the report said.
The Iranian President and Prime Minister Shahbaz will plant a sapling at the Prime Minister's house on the occasion of Earth Day, it said, adding that they will also attend the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in various fields.
“The two leaders will attend a ceremony regarding naming of a highway in Islamabad as Iran Avenue.He will also hold a press conference,” Radio Pakistan said, adding that the prime minister will also host a lunch for the Iranian president and his delegation.
Raisi is visiting Pakistan months after Tehran surprised Islamabad with air strikes on alleged terrorist hideouts in the restive Balochistan province in January, dealing a blow to cordial relations between the two neighbours.
Pakistan responded swiftly by using killer drones and rockets to carry out "precision military strikes" against "terrorist targets" in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, killing 9 people.
However, both sides worked quickly to contain the anger through diplomatic channels. Raisi's visit is expected to further strengthen their ties.
The Ministry of External Affairs
The Iranian President is accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation including the Foreign Minister and other cabinet members and senior officials, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
President Raisi has an extensive schedule in Pakistan as he is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.The Foreign Office said he would also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet the provincial leadership.
According to Radio Pakistan, Raisi will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today, while a round of delegation-level talks will also be held between the two countries.
"Upon reaching the Prime Minister's residence, the visiting dignitary will be given a guard of honour," the report said.
The Iranian President and Prime Minister Shahbaz will plant a sapling at the Prime Minister's house on the occasion of Earth Day, it said, adding that they will also attend the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in various fields.
“The two leaders will attend a ceremony regarding naming of a highway in Islamabad as Iran Avenue.He will also hold a press conference,” Radio Pakistan said, adding that the prime minister will also host a lunch for the Iranian president and his delegation.
Raisi is visiting Pakistan months after Tehran surprised Islamabad with air strikes on alleged terrorist hideouts in the restive Balochistan province in January, dealing a blow to cordial relations between the two neighbours.
Pakistan responded swiftly by using killer drones and rockets to carry out "precision military strikes" against "terrorist targets" in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, killing 9 people.
However, both sides worked quickly to contain the anger through diplomatic channels. Raisi's visit is expected to further strengthen their ties.