ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: President Gen Pervez Musharraf will take up important security and energy-related issues with US President George W. Bush during his first state visit next week.
Informed sources said on Wednesday the two leaders would have a one-to-one meeting at the Aiwan-i-Sadr followed by restricted-level talks with their respective aides, ministers and ambassadors.
A number of bilateral agreements in areas ranging from health to education to trade and investment were expected to be signed during the visit, they said.
Bilateral discussions, they said, would cover important issues of civilian nuclear technology, F-16s, cooperation on nuclear safeguards and export controls and war on terrorism.
On the regional front, the ongoing India-Pakistan peace process, particularly the Kashmir issue, would top the agenda. President Bush, who is to come straight from New Delhi, would brief President Musharraf about his discussions on the subject with top Indian leadership.
The Iran nuclear issue, the situation in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East process would also come up for discussions. In the wake of the row over the publication of blasphemous cartoons, Pakistan would also seek the US support for an international legislation to prevent the recurrence of such an act.
During his overnight stay here, President Bush will have lunch with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. President Musharraf will host a banquet for the US President.
A 150-strong media contingent would be accompanying the US President to cover his visit to Pakistan.
