"The hearts of Pakistan and Iran will always be linked together," says President Raisi

Iranian President Syyed Ebrahim Raisi reached Lahore on Tuesday morning and visited Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum to pay his respects to the poet of east.

Upon his arrival in the provincial capital, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz welcomed Raisi and his delegation at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on the second day of his three-day official visit to Pakistan.

This is the first visit by any head of state to Pakistan after the February 8 general elections.

“I wanted to address a public gathering in Pakistan, but, it could not be made possible due to some reasons," said President Raisi during his visit to the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal.

The dignitary said he did not “feel like a stranger at all” and there were “special emotions and connection” with the people of Pakistan.

"The hearts of Pakistan and Iran will always be linked together," he added.

Raisi paid tribute to the philosopher, saying "Iqbal was also very inspirational for Iranian people".

The Iranian President also penned his admiration for Allama Iqbal’s literary legacy in the visitors’ book.

A day earlier, Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi reached Islamabad on a three-day official visit to Pakistan.

When he arrived at the PM House, Raisi was given a guard of honour by smartly-turned out personnel of the armed forces.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed the Iranian President upon his arrival at the PM House.

Afterwards, the national anthems of both countries were played and the country heads shook hands with other dignitaries.

President Raisi was accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, seniour officials and a large business delegation.