Mateen Haider

During his three-day visit, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi will meet president, PM, army chief, Senate chief n Both sides will hold talks to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance coop in trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture.

PM Shehbaz, President Raisi hold delegation level talks in Islamabad n President Raisi says Pak-Iran trade volume not reflective of true potential n Both leaders agree on joint efforts to eradicate terrorism n Islamabad, Tehran call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza n 8 agreements, MoUs for cooperation signed n President Zardari, Raisi vow to work together to overcome challenges.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and China on Tuesday signed four Memoranda of Understanding focusing on Flood Rehabilitation, Information and Communication Technologies, Juncao Technology, China- Pakistan Development Cooperation Planning (2024- 2028) alongside a Letter of Exchange on the establishment of a First Aid Centre in Balochistan, and Protocol on Cooperation in Human Resources Development under the Global Development Initiative. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and cabinet members as well as Chinese Ambassador for Pakistan here. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoped that the Phase-II of CPEC would result in more industrial, scientific and green development. CPEC-II is also an opportunity for the private sectors of both countries to form joint ventures. Later talking to high level delegation of the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), led by its Chairman Mr. Luo Zhaohui, the prime minister said China is Pakistan's most trusted friend and appreciated China's steadfast support to Pakistan. Acknowledging CIDCA's pivotal role in bolstering Pakistan's economic development, he specifically commended CIDCA for its vital support during the 2022 floods and for its relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif says CPEC-II an opportunity for private sectors n Seeks UK's support to promote higher education n Invites Australian companies to share expertise with Pakistani entrepreneurs.

ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan and China enjoy long-term strategic relations, which need to be further strengthened

ISLAMABAD - In a significant development after the visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan, both Pakistan and Iran have decided to appoint Colonel-rank liaison officers at the border for coordination in the joint counter-terrorism efforts. Highly placed sources told The Nation yesterday that the border liaison officers from both Pakistan and Iran will assume their duties in the next few days after completion of certain formalities.

ISLAMABAD - US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass has arrived in Islamabad on a day-long visit for talks

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and the United States held wide ranging talks in Islamabad on Tuesday covering all aspects of bilateral relations with focus on regional security situation. The US side was led by Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass while Pakistani side was led by Acting Foreign Secretary Rahim Hayat Qureshi. Under Secretary Bass was assisted by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst and US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Bloom. Sources told this scribe that regional security situation with focus on Afghanistan also came under discussion during the talks. Pakistan took the American delegation into confidence on the cross-border terrorism on the western borders and the fresh wave of terrorism in Pakistan emanating from the Afghan soil. The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and regional security, a brief communique issued by the Pakistani Foreign Office said. During the talks, both the sides reviewed the existing trade investment and economic cooperation and decided to further enhance it. The Pakistani delegation informed the US about potential investment opportunities in different fields and urged the US side to enhance its investment portfolio in Pakistan. According to the sources, US assured full cooperation in enhancing trade investment and economic cooperation with Pakistan. The US also assured full cooperation to Pakistan in its counter-terrorism operations against rising militancy.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan is all set to send its first ever lunar satellite to the Moon on May 3.