Pezeshkian due today on key post-war visit

Iranian president will be accompanied by a high-level delegation

ISLAMABAD:

Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian will arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday (today) on a visit carrying added significance in the wake of the recent Iran-US war and Islamabad's role in facilitating diplomatic efforts that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The visit comes days after Iran and the United States signed the Islamabad MoU, a framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and creating a pathway towards a comprehensive settlement. Pakistan played a central mediating role in the diplomatic process that led to the agreement.

President Pezeshkian, who will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials, is expected to personally convey Tehran's appreciation for Pakistan's diplomatic support during the conflict and its efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States, diplomatic sources said.

During the visit, the Iranian president will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He will also receive calls from Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to the Foreign Office, the two sides will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore ways to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity.

The visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss the implementation of understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU as well as broader regional and international developments.

Officials said the trip underscores the growing importance of Pakistan-Iran engagement at a time of major geopolitical shifts in the region and reflects the shared desire of both countries to promote peace, stability and economic cooperation.

This will be President Pezeshkian's second visit to Pakistan since assuming office. The two neighbours have in recent years sought to strengthen economic ties, enhance border cooperation and increase bilateral trade.