Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, on Monday held a meeting with the Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop at the UN Headquarters during which they discussed bilateral relations. The two officials also exchanged views on the current regional situation, including Afghanistan, a press release of the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations said.
Both Ministers agreed to expand bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries, the press release said, while expressing satisfaction over the existing co-operation in the field of defence.
During the meeting, they expressed the confidence that the expected visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Australia early next year would give a boost to bilateral relations. Aziz also extended invitation to the Australian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and Pakistan's Ambassador to United States Jalil Abbas Jilani were also present.