President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Chaklala Airport, Islamabad a short while ago for a two-day official visit on an invitation extended by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.

Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Farooq Hamid Naek welcomed President Rajapaksa on his arrival at the airport. The President was accorded an armed forces Guard of Honor and a 21- gun salute.

During his visit, President Rajapaksa will meet President Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. Discussions will be held between the two sides on strengthening political, defence, cultural, tourist, media, economic, business and trade relations while forging strong bonds between the two nations. Several bilateral agreements are also expected to be signed between the two sides.