SHARM-AL-SHAIKH, May 20: Pakistan and Egypt on Saturday agreed to increase cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and political fields with a joint pledge to bring the people of the two countries closer in all spheres.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who is representing Pakistan at the World Economic Forum on Middle East here, held separate meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef.

President Mubarak and Prime Minister Aziz, in their meeting, agreed that there was a need to intensify multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Egypt in different fields.

The 45-minute meeting covered wide ranging issues, including the Middle East situation, Iranian nuclear issue and latest developments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kashmir.

Earlier Mr Aziz and Mr Nazef agreed that the two countries would stand together to play a leading role in helping the Muslim world meet challenges it was facing.

The two prime ministers resolved to project a true image of Islam, which opposed violence and advocated peace, tolerance and flexibility. —APP