Visit to Pakistan

I will travel to Islamabad and Lahore on 6-7 May to advance Australia's strong relationship with Pakistan.

On my first visit to Pakistan as Foreign Minister, I will meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss the growing strength of our bilateral partnership and important regional and international issues.

I will meet my counterpart, the Prime Minister's Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Mr Sartaj Aziz, and the Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan to discuss our commitment to continued cooperation with Pakistan on counter terrorism, transnational crime, development and the disruption of illegal people movements.

Defence and security cooperation between Australia and Pakistan will form the basis of discussions with the Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

I will explore opportunities to boost our trade and investment links with Pakistan, including in the agricultural, education and energy sectors. I will discuss Australia's long-standing development assistance with Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.

In Lahore, I will meet the Governor of the Punjab, Mr Shahbaz Sharif, to discuss key Australian development initiatives in Punjab Province.

I will also speak to influential Pakistani women from government, diplomatic, business and the community sectors with a focus on gender equality, women's economic empowerment and the elimination of violence against women. I will announce a skills training program for marginalised women and girls to improve entrepreneurial skills and provide access to finance.