Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday warmly received President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian upon his arrival at the PM’s House.

The Iranian president was given a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

National anthems of both countries were played on the occasion. Later, the Iranian president was introduced to members of the federal cabinet.

The prime minister also met with the members of the Iranian delegation.

President Dr Pezeshkian also planted a sapling in the lawn of the PM’s House.

According to diplomatic sources, today’s meeting at the Prime Minister’s House will involve delegation-level talks between the two leaders, in which agreements and memorandums of understanding will be signed to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Important issues such as trade, energy, border cooperation, and regional peace and security will be discussed in the meeting.

A luncheon in honour of the Iranian President has also been arranged at the Prime Minister’s House, which will be attended by senior government officials and diplomats.

Sources say that the Iranian president will also hold separate meetings with Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, in which the two sides will discuss promoting cooperation at the parliamentary level.

Later this evening, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, where the two presidents will discuss expanding bilateral relations.

President Zardari is also expected to host a state dinner in honour of Dr Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to diplomatic sources, the Iranian president’s visit is being seen as the beginning of a new chapter in Pak-Iran relations, aimed at further strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the two neighbours