ISLAMABAD, June 5: Prime Minister of the Interim Iraqi Government Iyad Allawi called President Gen Pervez Musharraf on phone on Saturday, a Foreign Office spokesman said on Saturday.

Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan said that Mr Allawi called the President on Saturday and "the President (Musharraf) congratulated him on the formation of Interim Iraqi Government, invited him to visit Pakistan and wished him success," Mr Khan said.

"The President underlined the need for smooth political transition and speedy restoration of peace and stability in Iraq," Mr Khan said.

President Musharraf also assured Mr Allawi of every possible help and cooperation of the government and the people of Pakistan in rebuilding Iraq. The Iraqi leader thanked President Musharraf, a press release said.

Mr Allawi also sought "Pakistan's good wishes in his efforts to restore order and democratic self-rule in Iraq", APP said.

It also said that Mr Allawi had accepted President Musharraf's invitation to visit Pakistan, saying he would do so at the first available opportunity.-APP