President Zardari arrives in Tehran

President Asif Ali Zardari arrived here Saturday to hold talks with the Iranian leadership for further strengthening the bilateral ties and cooperation in diverse fields. The President, upon arrival at Mehrabad Airport, was received by Iranian Petroleum Minister Mohammad Aliabadi. Pakistan’s Ambassador in Iran and senior embassy officials were also present on the occasion. Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar, Petroleum Minister Dr. Asim Hussain, Spokesman of the President Farhatullah Babar and Foreign Ministry officials are accompanying the President.

Farhatullah Babar described the visit as important and part of the policy to deepen economic and political cooperation with Iran, reach out to regional states to address issues of stability and peace in the region, further peace process in Afghanistan and reverse the tide of terrorism.
President Zardari will hold separate meetings with President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei before returning to Islamabad on Saturday night. APP