London mayor Sadiq Khan will lead a trade mission to Pakistan later this year, meeting politicians, top business figures and professionals with a view to boosting economic and cultural ties with London, said an announcement on a government website.

The visit is a part of LondonIsOpen campaign — launched by Khan — to show that London is united and open for businesses, and to the world, following the EU referendum.

During the visit, Sadiq Khan will also visit India. It would be the first visit by a British politician to both countries in recent times. He will be visiting Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.

Sadiq will be accompanied by a delegation of UK business leaders and will meet with politicians, investors and entrepreneurs from the host country.

According to the announcement, the trip is aimed at strengthening trade and investment links as well as promoting cultural exchange. Bilateral trade between the UK and Pakistan is valued at £2 billion.

“As someone whose grandparents were born in India, and whose parents moved to London from Pakistan, I feel a deep affinity for the subcontinent,” the mayor was quoted as saying.

“I am passionate about showing that my city will always be open to engaging with partners from around the world,” he added.