Australian foreign minister to visit Pakistan

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will visit Pakistan May 6-7 for talks on bilateral matters and regional issues, officials said on Tuesday.

She will hold official talks with Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Xinhua cited the foreign ministry as saying.

During the bilateral meetings, both Pakistan and Australia would explore the possibilities of further strengthening the existing ties, specially in trade, investment, agriculture, education, sports and defense, a statement said.

"There will be renewed focus on elevating economic engagement and boosting bilateral trade."

Julie Bishop will also call on the Pakistani prime minister and the chief of army staff and hold meetings with other ministers.

"Pakistan and Australia enjoy close and cooperative relations. There are 80,000 overseas Pakistanis living in Australia, contributing to the progress and development of the country," the foreign ministry said.