Iran President Arrives in Pakistan On Three-Day Visit

COLOMBO (News 1st); Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Islamabad on a 3 day visit. He was accorded a warm welcome at Islamabad Airport.

He was received by Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Ambassador Mudassir Tipu.

The Iranian President is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising the Foreign Minister and other members of the cabinet and senior officials.

President Raisi has an extensive programme in Pakistan reflecting depth and breadth of Pakistan-Iran ties.

He will meet the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Senate and Speaker, National Assembly. He will also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet with the provincial leadership.

Upon concluding his visit to Pakistan, Raisi will embark on a one-day journey to Sri Lanka, following an official invitation from President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The highlight of his Sri Lankan visit will be the participation in the opening ceremony and official inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project, alongside the Sri Lankan President.

The Uma Oya Multipurpose Project, featuring two dams and a 120-megawatt power plant constructed by Iranian contractors, is hailed as one of Sri Lanka's largest civil engineering endeavors, valued at approximately $500 million.

The purpose of the project is to improve irrigation of 5000 acres of agricultural land, transferring 145 million cubic meters of water and generating 290 GW/h of power in a year.

With financing provided by the Sri Lankan government, over 400 Iranian engineers have played a pivotal role in its implementation, contributing from consultation and design to execution.

Back in August 2023, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry visited Iran and met with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, in Tehran During a joint press conference, the top Iranian diplomat called the visit “a turning point in Iran-Sri Lanka ties.”