国际英语新闻:Iranian foreign minister arrives in Pakistan for 2-day visit on ties

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday arrived here for a two-day official visit during which he will meet with the Pakistani leadership, a statement from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Zarif is the first foreign top diplomat to visit Pakistan after the new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan took over the charge earlier this month, the ministry said.

The Iranian foreign minister is scheduled to meet with Imran Khan, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the foreign ministry said.

Soon after his arrival, Zarif had a meeting with Asad Qaiser, speaker of the National Assembly, the lower house of Pakistan's parliament.

According to a statement issued from the speaker's office, Qaiser told the Iranian foreign minister that the two countries had close relations for decades which should be further strengthened for the bilateral benefits.

Qaiser said that close relations between the two sides are vital for development, prosperity and peace in the region, adding that they should further cooperate in the fields of trade, investment and energy.

Zarif appreciated Pakistan's sacrifices and successes in the war against terrorism and extremism, saying that Iran is Pakistan's close partner in its efforts to establish peace.