Hamid Karzai arriving in capital tomorrow

New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai will arrive here tomorrow night on a two-day visit during which bilateral matters and regional and international issues including terrorism are expected to figure in his meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Indian leaders.

During his stay, Mr Karzai will call on President Pratibha Patil and hold meetings with the Prime Minister, Vice President Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and leader of the Opposition L K Advani.

The Afghanistan President will be flying into the capital from Colombo where he is attending the 15th SAARC Summit. He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Rangin Dafdar Spanta and the National Security Advisor.

After his arrival at 2310 hrs, Mr Karzai will drive straight to Hotel Oberoi where he will stay.

On Monday, there will be a ceremonial reception for him at the Forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan at 0900 hrs. After that, he will drive to Rajghat to pay floral tributes at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at 0930 hrs.

Mr Mukherjee will call on Mr Karzai at 1030 hrs before the latter meets the Prime Minister at the Hyderabad House at 1145 hrs. After the meeting, both the leaders will issue statements to the press.

At 1530 hrs, Mr Karzai will receive Mr Advani, which will be followed by calls from the Vice President and Ms Gandhi.

The Afghan President will call on President Patil at 1930 hrs after which he will attend a banquet hosted by her at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

He will depart for Kabul at 1530 hrs on Tuesday.

UNI NAZ RR KN1945