Foreign Minister of Australia Julie Bishop will arrive on a two-day official visit here today (Wednesday) to explore the possibilities of enhancing bilateral relations, trade and investment. According to Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, the Australian Foreign Minister, who is visiting Pakistan from May 6 to 7, will also hold official talks with Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
She said Foreign Minister Julie Bishop would call on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif. Besides, Julie Bishop will also meet Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal.
"During the bilateral meetings, both Pakistan and Australia will explore the possibilities of further strengthening the existing ties, especially in trade, investment, agriculture, education, sports and defence," the spokesperson said, adding there would be renewed focus on elevating economic engagement and boosting bilateral trade.
Tasnim Aslam further said the Australian Foreign Minister would also visit Lahore, where she would meet Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif. She said Pakistan and Australia enjoyed close and co-operative relations and 80,000 Pakistanis were living in Australia, contributing to the progress and development of the country. She pointed out that Australia was a popular destination for Pakistani students where around 13,000 Pakistani students were presently enrolled in Australian colleges and universities in various disciplines. Visiting Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will also hold a joint news conference with Prime Minister's Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz today (Wednesday).