Karachi, 24 Apr 2024 (IRNA)
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi concluded his 3-Day official visit to Pakistan and left for Colombo on his next leg of South Asia tour from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. He was seen off by Pakistan's Federal Minister of Housing, Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Governor of Sindh Province, according to IRNA correspondent.
The Iranian president had arrived in the port city and commercial hub of Karachi on Tuesday evening where he paid tribute to late founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Raisi met with senior officials of the state government and address a meeting of scientific and economic elites of Pakistan. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Karachi.
Raisi arrived in Islamabad on 22nd April 2024 where he had detailed discussions with Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, President Asif Zardari, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir.
In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Raisi expressed dissatisfaction with the current trade volume, deeming it unacceptable. He outlined a mutual commitment to elevate trade to $10 billion as an initial measure to strengthen economic ties.
President Raisi conveyed greetings to Pakistanis advocating for the liberation of Jerusalem, emphasizing the inter-connectedness of faith and religion between the two nations. Raisi stressed the importance of leveraging the existing potentials and capabilities to benefit both countries, asserting the shared determination to bolster relations across political, economic, trade, and cultural spheres.
Addressing common challenges, particularly terrorism, President Raisi highlighted the aligned positions of Iran and Pakistan and their resolve to combat terrorism, organized crime, and other security threats. Dismissing opposition to bilateral relations, he emphasized the insignificance of detractors.
President Raisi emphasized Iran's resilience in overcoming sanctions and its readiness to share expertise with Pakistan for mutual development.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the sentiments of strengthening ties amidst challenges, underscoring the need to transform shared borders into zones of economic prosperity.
PM Shehbaz commended President Raisi's leadership and Iran's firm stance on global issues such as the Israeli offensive on Gaza and the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir. He thanked Raisi for visiting Pakistan and expressed optimism about the deepening of bilateral relations.
During their meeting, PM Shehbaz and President Raisi discussed various aspects including religious, cultural, diplomatic, investment, and security matters. They agreed on joint efforts to counter terrorism and enhance trade and communication links.
ISPR Pakistan reported that Gen, Syed Asim Munir NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan met President Ebrahim Raisi. The discussion primarily focused on matters of mutual interest, notably regional peace, stability, and border security.
Both sides concurred on the necessity to bolster bilateral cooperation while jointly striving for regional stability and economic prosperity.
COAS described the Pak-Iran border as 'border of peace and friendship' emphasizing the need for improved coordination along the border to prevent terrorists from jeopardizing the longstanding brotherly relations between the two neighboring countries.
President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized that by fostering cooperation between the two Armed Forces, Pakistan and Iran can attain peace and stability for both nations and the region.
President Raisi later visited Lahore and Karachi.
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