Following Iran’s recent drone and missile attack on Israel, President Ibrahim Raisi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on April 22.
The visit comes in the aftermath of Iran’s unprecedented strike on Israel, which saw over 300 drones and missiles launched in retaliation to an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. This strike resulted in the deaths of several prominent Iranian figures, including senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
President Raisi’s visit aims to bolster ties between Tehran and Islamabad, with planned meetings scheduled with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and top military officials. The visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two nations, despite a recent setback earlier this year.
In January, relations between Iran and Pakistan soured following cross-border strikes from Tehran, prompting precision strikes by Pakistan on saboteurs targets within Iranian territory. This led to a temporary withdrawal of ambassadors and diplomatic tensions, which were later resolved with the return of ambassadors to their respective posts.
During President Raisi’s visit, discussions are expected to cover a range of topics including bilateral ties, security cooperation, the Pak-Iran gas pipeline, and the potential for a free trade agreement. The visit holds particular significance due to shared economic interests, especially regarding the Pak-Iran gas pipeline.
In a separate development, Iran announced plans to release Pakistani nationals stranded on a ship seized by Iranian forces. Iranian envoy to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moqadam, stated that the release is pending confirmation of the individuals’ nationalities and completion of legal formalities, underscoring the brotherly ties between the two nations.
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