Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan in Iran on 1st historic visit

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, center & his accompanying
delegation arrive in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad
on April 21, 2019. (Photo by Fars news agency)

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has started his first historic visit to Iran following arrival in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad.

Heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, Khan was welcomed by Governor General of Razavi Khorasan Province Alireza Razm Hosseini and a number of provincial officials upon his arrival at Shahid Hasheminejad international airport on Sunday.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan (2nd L) talks to Governor of Razavi Khorasan Province Alireza Razm Hosseini in the Iranian city of Mashhad on April 21, 2019. (Photo by Fars news agency)

Following his meeting with the governor general of Razavi Khorasan Province, Pakistani premier paid a visit to the holy shrine of Imam Reza, the 8th Shia Imam, before his flight to capital Tehran, which is scheduled to take place later in the day.

In his visit to Imam Reza’s holy shrine, the Pakistani prime minister also met and conferred with Hojjatoleslam Sheikh Ahmad Marvi, the current custodian of the Astan Quds Razavi, an organization that manages the holy shrine.

During his two-day stay in Tehran, the premier is to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on ways to further strengthen bilateral ties in diverse fields.

Experts believe that Khan's visit to Iran, which is taking place at the official invitation of President Hassan Rouhani, can lead to the expansion of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fight against terrorism and border security.

In a Thursday meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Islamabad Mahdi Honardoost, the Pakistani prime minister said the ties with Iran were of great significance, and he will seek closer relations between the two neighbors during his upcoming visit to the Islamic Republic.

PressTV-Pakistan's Khan stresses closer ties ahead of Iran visit

Pakistan’s prime minister says his Sunday visit to Iran will be aimed at boosting bilateral ties between the two neighbors.

“Pakistan attaches great significance to its neighbors, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran, which shares many interests and commonalities with Pakistan,” the prime minister said.