Iranian FM in Pakistan for Talks

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Zarif referred to the purposes behind his Pakistan trip and stated that the visit is aimed at "exchanging views with the country's officials on various fields of cooperation, particularly economic ties."

"We are trying to settle problems that were created in the economic relations between the two countries due to (anti-Iran) sanctions," he stated.

During his one-day visit, Zarif will hold separate meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Raza Rabbani are among other officials Zarif is expected to meet.

Later in the day, Zarif is due to attend a joint session with members of Pakistan National Assembly's Foreign Relations Committee. He will also hold a joint press conference with Sartaj Aziz before leaving Islamabad on Thursday afternoon.

Zarif on Tuesday started a new tour of regional countries by visiting Lebanon and Syria. After visiting Pakistan, he is also due to pay an official visit to New Delhi, India.

In India, Zarif is reportedly scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj to discuss various regional issues and expansion of bilateral ties.

He will also hold talks with India’s Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to give a leg up to the Chabahar port project which is crucial for India's access to central Asia.

Zarif’s regional tours come in the wake of the conclusion of nuclear talks between Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).

Iran and the six powers on July 14 finalized the text of a lasting nuclear deal that would terminate all anti-Iran sanctions after taking effect. The United Nations Security Council also unanimously passed a resolution afterwards, endorsing the comprehensive accord.