TEHRAN - Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi highlighted the potential for the Islamic Republic and Pakistan to significantly contribute to regional peace by strengthening their bilateral ties.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, Raisi emphasized that enhanced cooperation between the armed forces of Iran and Pakistan could lead to peace and stability not only within their borders but also throughout the entire region.

The discussions between Raisi and Munir revolved around topics such as regional peace and border security, with both leaders exchanging views on how to bolster bilateral relations and work together to promote stability and economic prosperity in the region.

General Syed Asim Munir stressed the importance of coordinated efforts along the Iran-Pakistan border to prevent terrorists from disrupting the longstanding friendship between the two nations, referring to the border as a symbol of peace and goodwill.

Raisi, accompanied by a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, embarked on a two-day visit to Islamabad, where he engaged in various activities including a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussions with his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari regarding bilateral relations and mutual interests.

The Iranian head of state also met with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two discussed regional and global developments and “affirmed commitment to peace and constructive dialogue for resolving regional challenges.”

President Raisi visits Lahore, Karachi 

In Lahore, the Iranian president received a warm welcome from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz upon his arrival at the Allama Iqbal International Airport earlier on Tuesday.

Amid heightened security, President Raisi touched down in Karachi on Tuesday, marking the third leg of his visit to Pakistan.

Upon landing at Jinnah International Airport, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Governor Kamran Tessori, and other officials extended a cordial welcome to the Iranian president and his accompanying delegation. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari, was also present to greet the visiting dignitaries.

Stringent security measures were put in place in and around the airport to ensure the safety of all attendees.

During his stay in Karachi, President Raisi is scheduled to meet with the provincial cabinet. In recognition of his efforts in strengthening ties between the two nations, the University of Karachi will confer an honorary PhD upon the Iranian president.

Raisi's visit marks the first by a head of state to Pakistan following the country's recent elections and the formation of a new government under Sharif's leadership.

Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the political deputy of the president, Mohammad Jamshidi, the deputy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in economic policy, Mohammad Safari, as well as the Iranian ambassador in Pakistan, Reza Amiri, and the head of the Iranian consulate, Mehran Movahedi-Fard, are accompanying the president on this trip.

Upon concluding his visit to Pakistan, Raisi will embark on a one-day journey to Sri Lanka, following an official invitation from President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The highlight of his Sri Lankan visit will be the participation in the opening ceremony and official inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project, alongside the Sri Lankan President.