Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will arrive on his maiden official visit to Pakistan on Friday for talks on improving relations and clinching key economic deals including on import of 3,000 MW of electricity and construction of a gas pipeline.
Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that the invitation for the visit was extended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Rouhani will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials and businessmen during his first ever visit to Pakistan on March 25-26.
He will hold meetings with Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Sharif.
"The leadership will have an exchange of views on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly after lifting of the sanctions on Iran that has opened new avenues for enhancing economic interaction.
"Cooperation on regional and international issues of mutual concern will also be discussed," the FO said.
"Relations between the two countries are rooted in a long history of mutual trust, based on cultural, linguistic and religious bonds and Rouhani's visit will further deepen the existing fraternal ties between the two countries," the statement said.
Prime Minister Sharif had visited Iran in May 2014 and January 2016, said FO.
Sources said that the key Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project will be prominent in the talks as the two sides are expecting to start its construction after lifting of sanction on Iran following successful implementation of last year's nuclear deal with leading world powers.
They will also discuss a deal to import electricity to Pakistan and expand trade ties.
"It is hoped that a deal to import 3,000 MW of electricity from Iran will be reached," an official of finance ministry said.
Various strategic issues including the rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran, peace in Afghanistan and the Syrian issue will also be discussed, according to sources.
