ISLAMABAD, Jun 28: Bahraini Prime Minister Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa called on President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday and the two leaders reiterated their resolve to strengthen and promote bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade and investment.

President Musharraf welcomed Monday’s signing of the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and a memorandum of understanding on economic, trade and technical cooperation between the two countries.

The two leaders discussed close bilateral relations between their countries and the possibility of strengthening the ties in different fields.

Views were exchanged also on regional and international developments of common interest, particularly the situations in Iraq, Middle East and Afghanistan. The role of the two countries in the war against terrorism also came under discussion.

While reviewing the situation in the Gulf region, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the region and stressed the need for establishment of relations among the states of the region on the basis of mutual respect and brotherhood.

Prime Minister Al-Khalifa lauded the role of President Musharraf in the fight against terrorism and his concept of enlightened moderation.

He stated that because of the president’s clear vision on the issue of terrorism, Pakistan’s influence in the comity of nations had increased.

President Musharraf praised the role of the Bahraini leadership in modernizing and developing infrastructure and diversifying economy of the Gulf state through liberal policies.

He expressed the hope that the prime minister’s first ever visit to Pakistan would bring the two countries closer and strengthen their economic, commercial and investment ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries.—-APP