Iranian President Pezeshkian, FM Araghchi arrive in Pakistan

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday. Pezeshkian is on an official visit to Pakistan at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation. The two Iranian leaders arrived in Islamabad in separate planes. Pezeshkian flew to the federal capital from Iran while Araghchi’s last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon arrival, was received by PM Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Iran’s envoy to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, President Asif Ali Zardari, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Iran FM Araghchi was also present at the arrival, according to televised footage carried by PTV. Iran’s semi-official IRNA news agency reported that Araghchi was received by Iran’s envoy to Islamabad, along with DPM Dar and other senior officials. Both sides to review ‘full spectrum’ of bilateral relations During the visit, Pezeshkian will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with PM Shehbaz, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will call on the visiting dignitary. “This will be Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as president of Iran,” the FO said. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and