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President General Pervez Musharraf expressed the hope on Monday evening that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would translate their excellent political relations into a vibrant trade and economic co-operation. "Transit trade should form an important part of our bilateral economic relations," he said, underlining Pakistan's vital geo-strategic location at the centre of Central Asia, the Gulf and South Asia. The President was speaking at a dinner hosted by his Kyrgyz counterpart Askar Akaev.

President Musharraf, who flew into Kyrgyzstan after paying a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, said the Central Asian states could reach out to world markets through Pakistani ports including the newly constructed Gwadar deep seaport.

He hoped that his talks with Akaev on Tuesday would prove to be an important milestone towards developing strong economic ties between the two countries to their full potential.

Referring to the Economic Co-operation Organisation, he said Islamabad believes that the body should be revitalised through reform to realise the goal of economic integration in the region.

Pakistan, he said, remains committed to fight against terrorism and urged the international community to address its underlying causes to address the menace in the long run.

He observed that violence is not sanctioned by any religion and called for correcting the image of the great religion of Islam and promoting better understanding between Islam and the West.

The President said the strategy of enlightened moderation offered a way forward for sustainable peace in the world, which presently is facing complete challenges.

On UN reforms, he said Pakistan is against creation of centres of privilege at the UN Security Council and thanked Akaev for Bishkek's support in this regard.

About the situation in South Asia, President Musharraf said Pakistan wants peace in the region and is engaged in a composite dialogue process with India for the resolution of outstanding issues including the lingering Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

President Musharraf thanked his Kyrgyz counterpart for Bishkek's support on key Kashmir disputed.

The host President said he is convinced that President Musharraf's visit would provide an opportunity to synchronise the two countries' efforts towards expanding their bilateral relationship.

Akaev expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan's important role in bringing about peace and stability in Afghanistan and its overwhelming contribution to the international fight against terrorism.

He extended his country's wholehearted support to President Musharraf's strategy of enlightened moderation and lauded the visiting Pakistani leader's efforts for the uplift of Muslim Ummah.

"We in Kyrgyzstan intend to promote and disseminate the idea of enlightened moderation which has great practical significance," he said.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005


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