Raisi, Pakistani leaders to discuss Afghanistan

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Pakistan next week for discussions on a wide range of issues, including bilateral security cooperation and the situation in Afghanistan.

The two-day trip, beginning on April 22, will be his first foreign visit following Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone onslaught on Israel late on Saturday.

Raisi is the first foreign head of state/government who will visit Pakistan after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s takeover in March, according to The News International.

Recent developments and the regional security situation would figure prominently at talks between Raisi and Sharif.

President Asif Ali Zardari who host a banquet in the honour of his Iranian counterpart, the newspaper added.

The visit is part of efforts by the neighbours to rebuild mutual trust and cooperation in the wake of an exchange of missile strikes between Iran and Pakistan. In January

Enhanced bilateral relations, security cooperation, a proposed gas pipeline and a potential free trade agreement (FTA) will be discussed by the two sides.

Regional and international issues, including the situation in Afghanistan and Palestine, are part of the agenda of the planned meetings.

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