Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to embark on an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Turkiye starting Friday. Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, other cabinet ministers, and senior officials, Shehbaz Sharif aims to strengthen ties with these key regional partners.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister will first travel to Iran to attend the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During this visit, he will extend condolences on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families, reaffirming solidarity with the nation during their time of grief.

Following his visit to Iran, Shehbaz Sharif will proceed to Istanbul, Turkiye, at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Discussions will center on enhancing bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on boosting trade and investment cooperation. The leadership is also expected to discuss issues related to regional peace and security.

While in Istanbul, the Prime Minister will address a business conference organized by Pakistan to highlight trade and investment opportunities in sectors such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs), energy, trade, IT, and privatization. The conference aims to attract leading Turkish businessmen and investors, along with dignitaries and members of the business community.

These visits underscore Pakistan's commitment to maintaining and deepening its historical, cultural, and fraternal ties with Iran and Turkiye.