October 29, 2002	Tuesday	Sha’aban 22,1423

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RIYADH, Oct 28: President Pervez Musharraf is due to arrive here on Tuesday afternoon. During his stay, the president is expected to hold talks with King Fahd and will have a separate meeting with Crown Prince Abdullah.

After the meetings, President Musharraf will proceed to Jeddah. He will also perform Umrah.

Earlier, the president was scheduled to arrive here on Monday. The date was proposed by the Pakistani side. However, the Saudi side suggested to have the visit a day later on Tuesday.

The Saudi cabinet usually meets on Mondays for its weekly official gathering and some believe that may be the reason for delaying the visit for a day.

The reason for Gen Musharraf’s visit, seen as his last overseas visit as the chief executive of the country before he hands over power to a new prime minister, is not clear. His current visit is being regarded here as a part of the ongoing consultation at the highest level between the two countries.

Apparently, the two sides would discuss the overall situation in the region, including the post-war scenario, in case the US proceeds ahead with its war plans against Iraq.