Rouhani arrived in the capital to hold talks with Pakistani leadership on improving relations and strengthening economic ties after sanctions were lifted from the Islamic republic by world powers.
During a one-on-one meeting, the two leaders discussed aspects of mutual ties with special reference to global issues, according to Radio Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif held a one on one meeting with President of Iran Mr. Hassan Rouhani at PM House pic.twitter.com/FqmkjUK4MI
— PMLN (@pmln_org) March 25, 2016
Earlier, the Irani President was accorded a warm welcome upon arrival at the Prime Minister’s House and presented a guard of honour by a contingent representing armed forces of the three services.
Iranian president to visit Pakistan on Friday
The premier was assisted by Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Water and Power Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, among others.
Rouhani is visiting Pakistan for the first time on invitation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
"On way to Pakistan to discuss important regional and global issues and explore opportunities for constructive engagement," Rouhani tweeted.
On way to #Pakistan to discuss important regional &global issues & explore opportunities for #ConstructiveEngagement pic.twitter.com/mhW5N6BE9j
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) March 25, 2016
PM Nawaz received the Iranian president at Nur Khan Airbase as the foreign dignitary was given a 21-gun salute.
According to the foreign ministry, the lifting of sanctions on Iran following its nuclear deal with the West “has opened new avenues for enhancing economic interaction”.
The Iranian president would also discuss cooperation on regional and international issues during his two days visit, the ministry said.
A high-level delegation comprising of ministers, senior officials and businessmen are also accompanying him on his first visit to Pakistan.
Pakistan prepares for Rouhani’s visit as illicit trade continues
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Iran in May 2014 and in January this year to try to ease tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early January after protesters burned Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.
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