Egyptian president to visit Pakistan on Friday

ISLAMABAD - Egyptian President, Dr. Mohamed Morsy, will be undertaking a state visit to Islamabad on Friday at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart immediately after the D-8 Summit, an official announcement said late Tuesday.

The last bilateral visit at this level was by late President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1960s.

President Morsy is the first civilian, democratically elected President of Egypt and his current visit to Islamabad will be a landmark in the traditional and friendly relations between the two major Muslim countries, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said.

"President Morsy's decision to visit Pakistan so soon after his election has been welcomed by the leadership and the people of Pakistan. It is a manifestation of the two countries desire to add a new and dynamic chapter to their relationship by expanding, diversifying and strengthening bilateral cooperation in all spheres," Pakistani Foreign Ministry said.

President Morsy's engagements would include an address to a joint session of the Parliament, one-on-one meeting with the President, followed by delegation level talks and luncheon hosted by his counterpart.

The two leaders are expected to hold extensive discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest. Both countries are also expected to ink a number of MoUs in different fields.

On arrival at the airport, President Morsy will be welcomed by a Guard of Honour. A welcome ceremony will be held for President Morsy at the Presidency Friday.