TEHRAN - In a significant diplomatic move, the Iranian president is set to depart for Islamabad early Monday morning, responding to an official invitation from his Pakistani counterpart.

Leading a delegation of high-ranking economic and political officials, Ebrahim Raisi aims to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

As reported by Tasnim, Raisi's itinerary for his two-day visit to Islamabad is packed with crucial engagements. These include a private meeting with Shehbaz Sharif following an official reception by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, alongside a joint session of high-ranking delegations from both countries.

During this diplomatic mission, the Iranian president is scheduled to engage with his Pakistani counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari, and participate in discussions with scholars, intellectuals, traders, and economic activists across various cities of Pakistan.

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.

The Uma Oya Multipurpose Project, featuring two dams and a 120-megawatt power plant constructed by Iranian contractors, is hailed as one of Sri Lanka's largest civil engineering endeavors, valued at approximately $500 million. 

The purpose of the project is to improve irrigation of 5000 acres of agricultural land, transferring 145 million cubic meters of water and generating 290 GW/h of power in a year.

With financing provided by the Sri Lankan government, over 400 Iranian engineers have played a pivotal role in its implementation, contributing from consultation and design to execution.

Back in August 2023, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry visited Iran and met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian in Tehran. During a joint press conference, the top Iranian diplomat called the visit “a turning point in Iran-Sri Lanka ties.”