ISLAMABAD: President of Mauritius Dr Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim planted a friendship sapling at the memorial garden of Shakar­parian on Sunday.

Minister of State for Information Technology Anusha Rehman, the minister-in-waiting, and senior officials of the Capital Devel­opment Authority accompanied the visiting dignitary.

The practice of planting sapling at the memorial garden began on Feb 21, 1964, when Zhou Enlai, the first premier of the People’s Republic of China, sowed a seed of the Chinese tallow tree.

The Mauritius president also visited the Pakistan Monument, which represents four provinces and three territories of the country.

Ms Gurib-Fakim was accorded a warm welcome when she arrived on a four-day official visit on an invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain. She is accompanied by a nine-member delegation.

The Mauritius leader was received by Anusha Rehman as she landed at the Nur Khan Airbase.

Clad in beautiful national dresses, two children presented a bouquet to the guest.

During her visit, the Mauritius leader will meet President Hussain who will host lunch for the visiting dignitary and her delegation.

Earlier, Ms Gurib-Fakim arrived in Karachi where she was received by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Adviser to Chief Minister Sharmila Farouqui.

According to the Foreign Office, during the visit the two sides will explore possibilities of strengthening bilateral ties in various fields of common interest with focus on economic and trade cooperation.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2016