Lahore – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian landed in Lahore on Friday, beginning a two-day state visit to Pakistan aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and significantly boosting trade and regional cooperation.
Upon arrival, he was received by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and later paid respects at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, a gesture underscoring cultural kinship between the two neighbouring nations.
The visit marks President Pezeshkian’s first official trip to Pakistan since assuming office. His arrival in Islamabad was followed by high-level meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, where both sides discussed economic, security, and strategic matters.
Speaking during the visit, President Pezeshkian expressed a strong desire to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion, emphasizing opportunities in energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and border trade. He highlighted the need for greater cooperation through land, sea, and air routes, while also proposing Iran’s involvement in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a gateway to wider regional connectivity.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining border security and enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Both countries stressed the importance of deepening defense and intelligence collaboration to ensure regional peace.
The Pakistani leadership welcomed the proposals, describing the visit as a turning point in Pakistan–Iran relations. Officials said a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are being prepared to solidify joint goals in trade, energy, and transportation sectors.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.