ISLAMABAD : (Parliament Times) Â Visiting Palestinian President Mehmood Abbas was warmly welcomed at Prime Minister House in Islamabad today (Tuesday).
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received the distinguished guest on arrival.
National anthems of the two countries were played on the occasion. A smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces present salute and guard of honour to the Palestinian President. The visiting dignitary inspected the guard of honour.
The Prime Minister introduced the cabinet members to the Palestinian President and the distinguished guest introduced the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the members of his entourage.
President Abbas, accompanied by a 17-member delegation including five ministers, arrived in the Pakistani capital late Monday. Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain received the Palestinian leader on his arrival.
This is Abbas’ third visit to Pakistan. He has previously been to Pakistan in 2005 and 2013.
During the visit, the Palestinian president will have a one-on-one meeting with Pakistan’s prime minister, followed by delegation-level talks, a foreign ministry statement said.
Earlier on Monday, President Hussain told the Palestinian president at the reception ceremony that Pakistani people kept the Palestinians close to their hearts and reiterated Pakistan would always raise the Palestine issue at all fora.
President Abbas welcomed the sentiments and said he considered Pakistan as his second home, radio Pakistan reported.
