ISLAMABAD, Nov 21: Australian Prime Minister John Howard flew into Islamabad late on Monday for talks with Pakistani leaders on cooperation in the aftermath of last month’s devastating earthquake, officials said. During his three-day stay, Mr Howard was to meet President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and visit quake-hit areas, said foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam.

“The visit is aimed at further strengthening the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries,” she said.

Pakistan and Australia were also expected to sign agreements on cooperation in agriculture, natural gas exploration and higher education, Ms Aslam said.

Mr Howard is the first Australian prime minister to visit Pakistan since 1989. —AFP