Palestinian President arrives in Islamabad

Islamabad – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Islamabad on a 3-day State visit to Pakistan late Saturday on the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari.

This is Abbas first visit to Pakistan after the recognition of Palestine as a Non-Member Observer State by the UN.   Pakistan was co-sponsor in the United Nations General Assembly resolution that granted this status to Palestine on 29 November, 2012.

President Abbas last visited Pakistan in February 2010.   During his stay‚ President Abbas will hold talks with President Zardari on bilateral matters.   The two leaders are expected to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations and will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.   On arrival at Islamabad‚ President Abbas accorded a warm welcome followed by a Guard of Honour. A formal welcome ceremony will be held at the Presidency where President Asif Ali Zardari will receive him on Sunday.

President Abbas’s engagements would include delegation level talks followed by a luncheon hosted by the President.   The Palestinian President was accorded warm welcome at the Noor Khan military Airbase near Islamabad by Federal Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin and high ranking officials.   Pakistan has been supporting the two states solution and also has been instrumental in helping Palestine get the observer status n the UN as well as in UNESCO.

The two countries have been very cooperative, and this visit will further help improve the bilateral relation.