Pezeshkian to meet Zardari, Sharif today; Pak-Iran B2B talks also underway

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian arrived at the Prime Minister’s House, where PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed him. Pezeshkian was also presented with a guard of honor by the Pakistan Army.

The guard of honor included contingents from all three armed forces. National anthems of both countries were played. PM Sharif also introduced the members of the federal cabinet to the Iranian President. Dr Peshkeshian also planted a sapling at the PM House.

Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Islamabad, in his first official visit to Pakistan since assuming office. According to his itinerary for today, Dr Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

High-level meetings between delegations from both countries will also be held. The Iranian president is accompanied by a high-level delegation during this visit, including Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, senior ministers, and other officials.

Officials from both sides say the visit is expected to advance bilateral cooperation and strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said that the Iranian President will be presented with a guard of honor by the Pakistani Armed Forces. A bilateral meeting will be held between the President of Iran and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Later, both leaders will lead their respective delegations in a delegation-level meeting.

Memorandums and agreements of cooperation in various fields will be signed between the two countries, after which both leaders will give a joint press statement (PTV News will broadcast).

PAKISTAN, IRAN BEGIN NEW ROUND OF B2B TRADE TALKS

Meanwhile, business representatives from Pakistan and Iran have begun a new series of business-to-business (B2B) meetings, aimed at expanding bilateral trade and strengthening cross-border cooperation.

Officials from both sides confirmed an agreement to convene the next session of the Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission in the near future. The discussions covered trade, agriculture, energy, animal husbandry, logistics, and professional services.

Pakistani representative Jam Kamal Khan said regional trade and relations with neighboring countries remain a key priority. He added that trade plays a role beyond commerce by building people-to-people relations.

Iranian Trade Minister Mohammad Atabak welcomed the trust developing between the business communities of the two countries. He said trade cooperation is essential to support bilateral ties.

Both sides reiterated commitment to fully utilize existing trade corridors between Pakistan and Iran and agreed to increase bilateral trade volume and border cooperation. They also stressed practical steps to boost Pakistani exports to Iran and promote IT and professional services.

The two parties also signed a bilateral agreement to continue B2B meetings and increase the exchange of trade delegations.

Also read: PM Shehbaz welcomes Iranian President Pezeshkian in Islamabad