Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has arrived in Pakistan for a significant three-day visit, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries. The visit comes after a brief period of tension in January, when both countries carried out strikes on each other's territory, targeting militants accused of attacking their respective security forces.
President Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met at Sharif's office in Islamabad, where they held discussions and addressed the media. The meeting was aimed at fostering cooperation and addressing key bilateral issues, particularly in the context of recent regional security concerns.
To ensure security during President Raisi's visit, Pakistani authorities deployed hundreds of additional police and paramilitary forces throughout Islamabad. This heightened security comes at a time when Pakistan has seen a surge in militant violence, mostly attributed to the Pakistani Taliban and insurgents targeting security forces in Pakistan and neighboring Iran.
In a show of respect, Sharif welcomed Ebrahim Raisi with an honor guard ceremony in front of the Prime Minister's office. According to an official statement, the two leaders discussed a range of topics, including bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism. They also jointly condemned Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, reflecting their shared stance on the conflict.
As per Thepakistan.pk reported Pakistan and Iran are also working on establishing a joint special Economic zone. According to the report that a big part of President Raisi’s agenda is to explore the possibility of a free trade agreement between Pakistan and Iran.
The visit by Iran's president is seen as a positive step towards mending strained relations and building a stronger partnership between Pakistan and Iran. As both countries face common security challenges, their leaders' discussions on combating terrorism and fostering economic collaboration are crucial in maintaining stability in the region. The outcome of this visit could lay the groundwork for future cooperation and pave the way for a more harmonious relationship between the two neighboring countries.