ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived here on Saturday on a three-day official visit to Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Textile Makhdoom Shahabuddin and high-ranking officials welcomed Mr Abbas at the Noor Khan Airbase.

This is the first visit by President Abbas to Pakistan after the recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state by the United Nations. Pakistan was co-sponsor of the UN General Assembly resolution that granted this status to Palestine on Nov 29, 2012. He last visited Pakistan in February 2010.

President Asif Ali Zardari, who has invited the Palestinian leader, will receive President Abbas on Sunday at Aiwan-i-Sadr where a formal welcome ceremony would be held.

President Abbas’s engagements include delegation-level talks followed by a luncheon to be hosted by Mr Zardari.

The two leaders are expected to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues.—APP