KARACHI: President of Mauritius Dr Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim arrived in Islamabad on Sunday on a four-day visit to Pakistan after holding a meeting in Karachi with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, reported Radio Pakistan.

President Ameenah was welcomed on her arrival at Nur Khan air base by IT Minister Anusha Rehman.

The Mauritian president, who is leading a nine-member delegation, will meet President Mamnoon Hussain to discuss matters of mutual interest as well as issues of regional and international importance.

President Mamnoon will host a lunch in honour of President Ameenah and her delegation.

The Mauritian president will hold talks with Pakistani leadership to enhance cooperation in economy, energy, infrastructure development and security.

The Mauritian president has the honour of becoming the first female president of the island, which gained independence from Britain in 1968 and replaced Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state in 1992.

Mauritius is one of the richest — and least corrupt — countries in Africa, and houses some 1.3 million people with a per capita GDP of just over $9,000 (7,200 euros).

Once dependent on sugar exports, the island has built up a strong outsourcing and financial services sector, and an important tourism industry.