Online Desk: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reached Islamabad on Monday on a visit that the outside world will watch closely against the backdrop of Tehran`s ongoing tensions with Israel.

The head of state was received by Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada at the Nur Khan Airbase.

Raisi was presented with a guard of honour by a contingent of the armed forces after arriving at the Prime Minister`s House and anthems of both countries were played on the occasion. Later, the prime minister introduced his cabinet members to the visiting dignitary.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi presented a guard of honour at the Prime Minister`s House. The premier, welcoming him to Pakistan, said the Iranian head of state was the first foreign leader to visit the country after the general elections of February 8.

The two leaders agreed on strengthening mutual bonds by collaborating in trade, and communications. They also expressed their resolve to end terrorism through enhanced efforts. The discussions centred around resolving regional challenges through dialogue.

The Iranian president later planted a sampling along with the premier on the occasion of Earth Day. The two leaders will also attend the signing ceremony of memorandums of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in various fields.

There will also be a round of delegation-level talks between the two countries,

The Iranian president is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, senior officials as well as a large business delegation.

President Raisi`s itinerary includes meetings with the president, prime minister, chairman Senate, and speaker of the National Assembly. Further, he will tour Lahore and Karachi, engaging with provincial leadership during his visit.

The two sides will have a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts. They will also discuss regional and global developments and bilateral cooperation to combat the common threat of terrorism.