AUCKLAND, June 17: Pakistan and New Zealand on Friday agreed to identify economic synergies for their mutual benefit as President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Helen Clark declared to build a closer relationship through cooperation in areas of agriculture, education and primary healthcare.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern, including the fight against terrorism, Pakistan-India peace process, and the UN reforms.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Prime Minister Clark appreciated Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism.

“Indeed, Pakistan’s role in the fight against terror has been absolutely critical as it has fought Al Qaeda operatives who had taken refuge in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan.”

She said her country would extend support to Pakistan in acquiring expertise in dairy and livestock farming.

President Musharraf said Pakistan would sponsor its students for higher education in New Zealand, while Prime Minister Clark said Wellington would look into ways of accommodating Pakistani students.

During the talks, President Musharraf briefed Prime Minister Clark about Pakistan’s economic scenario and opportunities it offered to foreign investors.

He referred to Pakistan’s large agrarian sector and said Islamabad could greatly benefit from New Zealand’s success in the agriculture field by gaining expertise in dairy and livestock farming and food and fruit processing.

He called for increasing the volume of bilateral trade and said investors from New Zealand could enter into joint ventures and explore trade opportunities in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Clark said her country looked forward to forging closer ties with Pakistan.

She said she had raised the issue of women’s rights in Pakistan. “This is a country with many women in powerful positions so we do take an interest. So I certainly have been satisfied today that President Musharraf shares that concern and would like to see his country move,” she said.

New Zealand, she said, would welcome Pakistani students, adding that her country would also provide assistance to Pakistan in the field of primary healthcare.

MEETING WITH GOVERNOR-GENERAL: President Musharraf and New Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright on Friday expressed their resolve to enhance bilateral relations.—Agencies