ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital in the eastern Punjab province, on Saturday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, according to the state media.
The two countries enjoy close ties and have signed several pacts in trade, energy and security in recent years. However, they have also remained at odds over instability along their shared porous border which led to a missile exchange between them last year, though they were quick to move to ease tensions.
“Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Lahore on Saturday for a two-day official visit to Pakistan, marking his first visit to the country since assuming office,” Pakistan’s state-owned television, PTV, reported while showing the visuals of the Iranian leader’s plane.
“On his arrival at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, President Pezeshkian was warmly received by ... former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz,” it added.
This is Pezeshkian’s first official visit to Pakistan as the Iranian president, according to the Pakistani foreign office. He is also accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers and other high-ranking officials.
