Belarusian president arrives in Pakistan on two-day visit

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus arrived in Islamabad on Thursday on a two-day state visit, officials said.

This is the first visit by a Belarusian president to Pakistan, the foreign ministry said. Belarus established its resident mission in Islamabad in November 2014.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received President Lukashenko on his arrival at a military airbase near capital Islamabad. A 21-gun salute was presented to the guest on his arrival.

Both leaders will hold talks later, a foreign ministry statement said.

The Belarusian president is leading a high powered delegation. A business delegation preceded the presidential entourage for the first Pakistan-Belarus Business and Investment Forum, Xinhua news agency reported.

A number of important agreements are expected to be signed.

"President Lukashenko's visit will help in strengthening the existing ties between the two countries," the foreign ministry said.