ISLAMABAD, Oct 8: President Gen Pervez Musharraf stated on Friday that Pakistan and Malaysia can have mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields and the private sector is the key to closer economic collaboration.

The president said this in a meeting with Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh, the president of the Malaysian Senate, who called on him. President Musharraf said that private sectors of the two countries should set up joint ventures for which several opportunities are available in Pakistan.

The president of the Malaysian Senate agreed with Gen Musharraf that the two countries need to facilitate private sector collaboration. He expressed support and appreciation for president's initiative on enlightened moderation.

The Malaysian Senate president said that Pakistani leader's strategy of enlightened moderation would enhance cooperation and reject extremist tendencies.

Gen Musharraf said that Pakistan is a moderate Muslim country and vast majority of Pakistanis are against extremism. The president reiterated Pakistan's commitment to fight terrorism.

The Malaysian President of the Senate was accompanied by a delegation of Malaysian Senate. Chairman Senate Mohammedmian Soomro was also present in the meeting. Gen Musharraf warmly welcomed the delegation and said Pakistan held the government and people of Malaysia in high esteem.

The president expressed appreciation for the spectacular progress made by Malaysia in the last two decades. The president of the Malaysian Senate appreciated the economic progress made by Pakistan under the leadership of Gen Musharraf. -APP