PM Shehbaz Sharif Arrives in Iran, Receives Guard of Honour at Saadabad Palace
Tehran: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday arrived in Tehran on a two-day official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, marking a significant step in strengthening Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations.
Upon his arrival at Mehrabad Airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu, and senior diplomatic officials. A contingent of the Iranian armed forces presented a salute to the visiting dignitary.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Later, the Prime Minister was given an official guard of honour at the historic Saadabad Palace, where he was received by Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. The national anthems of both countries were played, and the Prime Minister reviewed the guard of honour presented by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Iranian armed forces alongside the Iranian President. The two leaders then introduced their respective delegations before proceeding for a bilateral meeting.
The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation, as well as regional developments including India’s recent aggression towards Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to express Pakistan’s appreciation for Iran’s continued support and efforts toward promoting peace in South Asia.
During the visit, the Pakistani delegation will also call on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei to deliberate on key regional and bilateral matters. A state banquet in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation will be hosted by President Pezeshkian.
The visit to Iran forms the second leg of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-nation tour, which also includes stops in Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Tajikistan.
