MANILA, April 8: President Pervez Musharraf is to make a state visit to the Philippines on April 18-20, the first by a leader of Pakistan, the presidential palace here said on Friday.

Gen Musharraf is to meet with President Gloria Arroyo to discuss expanded anti-terrorism cooperation, palace officials said.

The two leaders would also review developments in the Muslim southern Philippines.

Manila is set to begin peace talks in neighboring Malaysia with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s largest Muslim separatist guerilla group, two days before the Pakistani leader’s visit here.

He will also address a joint session of the Philippines congress on April 19.—AFP