Qalibaf left Tehran for Islamabad on Wednesday morning at the invitation of Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, heading a parliamentary delegation that includes several lawmakers and members of Iran-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Qalibaf will reportedly hold meetings in Islamabad with the speakers and members of the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan, and also meet with senior political figures including the prime minister.
The Iranian speaker will also travel to Lahore and Karachi for meetings with cultural and religious figures, as well as traders and business leaders.
Before his departure, Qalibaf praised the clear and firm support of the Pakistani people, parliament, and government for Iran during and following the recent 12-day war imposed by the Zionist regime and the US, saying their stance was deserving of appreciation.
He noted that given the current post-war regional conditions, cooperation between neighboring Islamic countries such as Iran and Pakistan was of great importance.
The two nations, Qalibaf said, hold significant influence in the Islamic world and the region and occupy a unique geographical position across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the subcontinent region.
Qalibaf also expressed hope that the main focus of his meetings in Pakistan would be on economic issues, describing the trip as an important opportunity to enhance bilateral economic relations and to pursue and implement agreements reached during the Iranian president’s last visit to Pakistan.
Referring to political and security matters, including border and regional issues, he emphasized that the region faces serious tensions caused by the interference of external powers, particularly the US, and highlighted the need for greater coordination and cooperation between Iran and Pakistan.
In conclusion, Qalibaf underlined the effectiveness of Iran-Pakistan regional cooperation and joint agreements, expressing hope that the visit would yield positive results in the political, security, cultural, and economic fields.