25 February 2005	Friday	15 Muharram 1426

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24: President Gen Pervez Musharraf and his Eritrean counterpart, President Issias Aferki on Thursday affirmed to expand bilateral ties at an exclusive meeting here at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest. Later, senior aides joined the two leaders in talks between the two sides as they explored ways and means to consolidate bilateral ties.

The Eritrean President was earlier, accorded a warm welcome at a formal ceremony. President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz greeted the visiting East African leader. -APP