07 July 2004	Wednesday	18 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

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NAANTALI, July 6: President General Pervez Musharraf and his Finnish counterpart Tarja Halonen on Tuesday discussed a range of issues as the host leader expressed Helsinki's support and admiration for Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism.

"We appreciate and support Pakistan's fight against terrorism," Ms Halonen told newsmen at a joint press conference with President Musharraf. Gen Musharraf said the government was determined to eliminate terrorists and remnants of Al Qaeda from Pakistan.

The Finnish president, who earlier held talks with Gen Musharraf at her summer residence here, called for collective international efforts against the menace of terrorism.

"We need to strengthen international cooperation, international networking, and create international links to control the menace," Ms Halonen emphasized. President Musharraf underlined the significance of addressing the root-causes of terrorism, saying that poverty, lack of knowledge and non-resolution of political disputes led to despair and extremism.

"The roots of terrorism must be addressed (and) in this respect the western countries should help Muslim countries achieve socio-economic development and also play their due role in finding lasting resolution of long-standing political disputes."

In reply to a question, Gen Musharraf said he would decide about his uniform at an 'appropriate time'. "I have to take a decision according to national dictates...too much is happening in the world and in our region and domestically.

"There is still time to take a decision - the decision will totally be in Pakistan's national interests - we do not want to derail the reforms undertaken for the development of the country."

During the one-hour talks, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional situation, international issues of common concern, and political, defence and economic matters.

President Musharraf explained efforts being made to improve the state of human rights in Pakistan and the devolution of power to the grass roots. He pointed out that the European Union was the biggest trading partner of Pakistan, adding that the country looked forward to enhancing its trade ties with Finland.

"Our bilateral trade, presently at US dollars 54 million, is not reflective of the large potential that exists bilaterally. We should increase our economic ties through joint ventures."

During the talks, the leaders identified some areas where the two countries could expand cooperation, including the IT and certain other technologies. Ms Halonen said her country could also extend cooperation to Pakistan in social sectors, including education and health.

Finland, she said, would encourage the Pakistani leader to go further for devolution of power. Later, the Finnish leader hosted dinner in honour of the president. On Wednesday, the president would hold talks with Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen.

RED-CARPET WELCOME: Earlier, Gen Musharraf arrived in Helsinki to a red-carpet welcome at the start of a three-day official working visit. The president, accompanied by Begum Sehba Musharraf and members of his delegation, arrived at Ventaa International Airport after a 45-minute flight from Stockholm. inland's minister for environment received the president. -APP

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