President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday accorded a warm welcome to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas upon his arrival at the presidency.
A smartly turned out contingent of armed forces presented guard of honor to the visiting dignitary.
He was warmly welcomed by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.
On his arrival‚ national anthems of both countries were played and a smartly turned out contingent of the Armed Forces presented guard of honour. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present on the occasion.
Cabinet members were introduced to the visiting President Mahmood Abbas.
Later, President Zardari discusses bilateral relations with his Palestinian counterpart.
The two leaders discussed on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and the regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Earlier‚ a formal welcome ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in honor of the visiting dignitary.
President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas has arrived in Islamabad on a 3-day state visit to Pakistan on the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari.
He was accorded warm welcome at Noor Khan Airbase by Federal Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin and high ranking officials.
This is the first ever visit of President Mahmoud Abbas to Pakistan after the recognition of Palestine as a non-member Observer Member State by the United Nations.
Pakistan was co-sponsor in the United Nations General Assembly resolution that granted this status to Palestine.
During his stay‚ the Palestinian President would hold talks with Pakistani leadership on a host of issues.
Official sources say Pakistan enjoys excellent relations with Palestine and always been supportive of their legitimate rights to self-determination.
They said the two countries have been very cooperative and this visit will further help improve the bilateral relations.