No power on Earth can affect historical ties between Pakistan, Iran: President Raisi

Iranian President Syyed Ebrahim Raisi on Wednesday returned to his country after concluding a three-day official visit to Pakistan.

During his maiden visit, Raisi held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and the chief ministers and governors of Sindh and Punjab.

"The two sides held productive discussions and agreed to advance bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including in trade, connectivity, energy and people-to-people contacts," the statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.

A day earlier, Raisi visited the mausoleums of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore.

Upon his arrival in the provincial capital, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz welcomed Raisi and his delegation at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on the second day of his three-day official visit to Pakistan.

“I wanted to address a public gathering in Pakistan, but, it could not be made possible due to some reasons," said President Raisi during his visit to the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal.

The dignitary said he did not “feel like a stranger at all” and there were “special emotions and connection” with the people of Pakistan.

"The hearts of Pakistan and Iran will always be linked together," he added.

In Karachi, Raisi was received by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori at Jinnah International Airport.

Speaking at a ceremony at the CM house in the port city, Iran's President said Tehran made strides in industry, science, and technology despite “unfavourable conditions”. 

"We are ready to exchange this knowledge with Pakistan," he noted.

“I am here with a message of peace and prosperity for the Pakistani nation from the people of Iran and its leadership. The governments on both sides are willing to remove all obstacles to expanding trade between the two countries and in this regard, several options were discussed," Raisi said.

"No power on Earth can damage the historical ties between the two countries," he added.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori conferred an honorary PhD degree from the University of Karachi on the visiting dignitary in a ceremony at the Governor house in the metropolis.