Moments after touching down in Pakistan for a three-day visit, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reached the Prime Minister House where he was received and welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
On the occasion, the Iranian president was also presented with a guard of honour and later introduced to federal ministers. PM Sharif also greeted the Iranian cabinet members and delegation.
The two leaders also planted a sapling in the PM House lawns, while the national anthems of Pakistan and Iran were played in the ceremony.
Later, the two exchanged good wishes and discussed promotion of Iran-Pakistan bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields of mutual interest. The PM told Raisi he was the first head of state to visit Pakistan after the general elections here.
He said the entire Pakistani nation, including himself, welcomed the president's visit. Raisi thanked the PM for the warm welcome.
Earlier in the morning, President Raisi touched down in Pakistan for a three-day visit. Upon his arrival at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the visiting dignitary was warmly received by federal minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada. This is the first visit by any head of state to Pakistan after the formation of the new government.
The Iranian president is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising the foreign minister, other members of his cabinet, senior officials and a business delegation.
During his visit, President Raisi is scheduled to hold meetings with the top Pakistani civil and military leadership. On the first day of his visit, he will meet with the president, prime minister and the army chief. He is also scheduled to meet the Senate chairman, the National Assembly speaker and others.
Key highlights of the visit include a one-on-one meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and President Raisi, where both leaders are expected to delve into matters of mutual interest and explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.
The two sides are also expected to engage in delegation-level talks at the PM House after which a joint declaration will be issued.
Additionally, the PM will host a lunch in honour of the esteemed guest.
A ceremony for signing memoranda of understanding is also likely to take place at the PM House, where the two sides are likely to sign seven to eight MoUs. The Iranian president and Prime Minister Sharif will also plant a sapling at the PM House on the occasion of Earth Day.
The two leaders will also participate in a ceremony for naming a highway in Islamabad as Iran Avenue and later hold a press talk.
The Iranian president will also visit Lahore and Karachi.
President Raisi is expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari this evening, where the PPP leader will host a dinner in the honour of the Iranian president and his delegation.
