Iranian President leaves after three-day Pakistan visit

KARACHI: President of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Ebrahim Raisi has left for Tehran early on Wednesday morning along with his delegation after completing three-day visit to Pakistan.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah saw off the distinguished guest at Karachi Airport early morning.

During his three-day visit, the Iranian President held meetings with the President, Prime Minister, Chief of the Army Staff, Chairman Senate, Speaker of the National Assembly, and the chief ministers and governors of Sindh and Punjab.

Earlier, Iranian President, along with his spouse Dr Jamileh Alamolhoda and a high level delegation arrived the provincial capital and visited the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Dr Raisi also held meetings at CM House and addressed a ceremony attended by prominent personalities belonging to all walks of life including Ulema, leading businessmen, provincial ministers and the parliament members.

The Iranian President was also conferred with an honorary degree by Governor Sindh who is also Chancellor of Karachi University. Meanwhile, the spouse of the Iranian President, Dr Jamileh also attended a seminar at IBA university as the chief guest.

Earlier while addressing eminent personalities from different walks of life at Chief Minister House Sindh, the Iranian President reiterated commitment to promote bilateral relations with Pakistan and said that joint measures were being contemplated to bolster political, economic, commercial and public relations for the development and prosperity of the people of both countries.

President Raisi termed the visit to Pakistan as the best opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields and said that both countries have agreed to increase bilateral trade initially to $10 billion.

He said that the historical, cultural and religious relations between the two neighboring countries were spanned over centuries and the people of both the countries were ready to work together for peace, security, development and prosperity in the region.

He said that in the recent meetings with the President, Prime Minister and other higher officials of Pakistan, it has been agreed to stabilize Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations. He said that despite unfavorable conditions, Iran has made significant progress in industry, science and technology and is ready to exchange its skills with Pakistan.

The Iranian president while reiterating commitment to removing trade barriers and exploring various possibilities of economic cooperation said that formal trade between the two countries is in the best interest of the people on both sides of the border while further strengthening the close relations will further bolster bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Iran.

The Iranian President said that he brought a message of peace to the people of Pakistan on behalf of the leadership and nation of Iran.

President Raisi emphasized on the need for unity and solidarity in the Muslim Ummah and said that all Muslim countries have to create mutual unity and agreement to deal with the pressing challenges.

While strongly condemning the Zionist aggression in Palestine and Gaza, he urged the international organizations to play their due role for stopping the atrocities being committed on the innocent people of Palestine.

The people of Palestine defeated the usurping Zionist forces with their struggle and perseverance, he said adding that the freedom of Palestine and Al-Quds is the first and foremost priority of the Islamic Ummah.

The Iranian president paid tribute to the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and said that they struggled against the colonialism and gained freedom for the Muslims of the subcontinent. He appreciated the people of Pakistan expressing their solidarity with Iran in every difficult hour and said that the Iranian people have feelings of love for Pakistan.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed the Iranian President and members of his delegation to Karachi and said that centuries-old religious and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran have strengthened with time.

He also highlighted the investment opportunities in Sindh and said that Sindh government was willing to promote trade, economic and investment relations with Iran.