ISLAMABAD, Jan 21: President General Pervez Musharraf said on Saturday that Pakistan was looking forward to a visit by US President George Bush with hopes that it would strengthen ties between the two countries.

The president told the visiting US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns during a meeting that Pakistan and the United States would be working closely to prepare for the American leader’s visit expected later this year.

An official statement quoted Gen Musharraf as saying that the visit would lead to “further broadening and deepening of the bilateral relationship”.

He also thanked the US for assistance in the aftermath of the Oct 8 earthquake. Regional issues and bilateral relations also came under discussion.

The president apprised the undersecretary of the status of the composite dialogue and the recent foreign secretary-level talks between Islamabad and New Delhi.

While noting the importance of confidence-building measures, the president underscored the need for moving to conflict resolution.

President Musharraf highlighted Pakistan’s contribution to peace, stability and reconstruction of Afghanistan. Pakistan would be participating in the Conference on Afghanistan being held in London later this month.

Undersecretary Burns expressed appreciation for efforts by the Pakistan government in this regard.

The visit of Undersecretary Burns to Pakistan is part of a regional tour.

He will leave for Colombo on Sunday.—Agencies