18 January 2005	Tuesday	07 Zilhaj 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 17: President General Pervez Musharraf and his Kyrgyz counterpart Askar Akaev held wide-ranging talks here on Monday, agreeing to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation to the benefit of both countries.

The two leaders went into the talks at the Aiwan-i-Sadr soon after the official welcome ceremony at which President Musharraf warmly received the Kyrgyz leader. They also discussed regional and international issues of common interest, including promotion of regional trade, the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, Pakistan-India dialogue process, etc.

Later, senior aides joined the two leaders in the talks. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan are both members of the Economic Cooperation Organization. They are also signatories to Quadrilateral Agreement signed last year aimed at promoting regional trade, utilizing the Karakoram Highway and onward road link up to Kazakhstan.

The two countries will sign various agreements during Mr Akaev's visit, taking place at the invitation of President Musharraf. Earlier, President Akaev was accorded a warm reception at the Aiwan-i-Sadr at the start of his two-day official visit to Pakistan.

President Musharraf received the Kyrgyz leader. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was also present to welcome the visiting leader. President Akaev reviewed a guard of honour presented by a contingent of the armed forces of Pakistan.

The national anthems of the two countries were played on the occasion. Meanwhile, Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan said that Mr Akayev's talks with Prime Minister Aziz were scheduled for Tuesday. -Agencies