Australian FM pays two-day visit to Pakistan

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ISLAMBAD: Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has arrived Pakistan on a two-day visit where she would hold meetings with with the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz.

The Australian Foreign Minister will meet with the Minister for Interior Churdhry Nisar  and Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal .

Julie Bishop will also call on the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff. During her visit to Lahore, she will meet with the Chief Minister of Punjab.

During the bilateral meetings, both Pakistan and Australia will explore the possibilities of further strengthening the existing ties, specially in trade, investment, agriculture, education, sports and defence. There will be renewed focus on elevating economic engagement and boosting bilateral trade.

Pakistan and Australia enjoy close and cooperative relations. There are 80,000 overseas Pakistanis living in Australia, contributing to the progress and development of the country.

Australia is a popular destination for Pakistani students. Around 13,000 Pakistani students are presently enrolled in Australian colleges and universities in various disciplines.