20000327

CE for Malaysia,

S'pore, Indonesia,

Brunei today

ISLAMABAD: The Chief Executive, Gen Pervez Musharraf would leave here on Monday on a week-long official visit to Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei-Darussalam in an endeavour to cement Pakistan's economic relations with these countries.

During his visit from March 27 to April 2, Musharraf will apprise the leaders of the prevalent security environment in South Asia and on the need for an early settlement of the festering issue of Kashmir.

The CE will also seek support of these countries for Pakistan's 'full dialogue partnership' of Asean and membership of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF), said a statement issued by Foreign Office on Sunday.

His visit is in pursuance of Pakistan's 'Look East' policy which is meant to enhance its bilateral economic, trade and investment relations with these countries.

Gen Musharraf's visit is in consonance with Pakistan's desire to strengthen its ties with the countries of South-East Asia.

MALAYSIA

During his visit to Malaysia from March 27-28, he will have talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad on regional security environment, international issues and bilateral relations.

He will underline the opportunities that exist in Pakistan for economic interaction, trade and investment. The Chief Executive will also meet with Malaysian investors and businessmen.

Musharraf will re-affirm Pakistan's long-standing friendship and fraternal relations with Malaysia.

SINGAPORE

During his visit to Singapore from March 29-30, Musharraf will hold talks with Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.

The Chief Executive will invite more investment from Singapore and urge for expansion of trade relations between the two countries. He will meet Pakistani investors and address the Pakistani community in Singapore. He will also visit the Trade Development Board and the Information Development Authority of Singapore.

The general's visit to Indonesia from March-30 to 31, manifests a continuation of the long-standing traditional bilateral relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.

His visit will provide the two sides an opportunity to re-invigorate and strengthen their political and economic relations.

It will also provide CE an opportunity to exchange views with the newly elected leadership of Indonesia on a range of subjects of mutual interest.

He will also address the Pakistani community in Indonesia and offer his Friday (Juma) prayers at the Al-Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.

During his visit to Indonesia two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) will be signed between Pakistan and Indonesia on establishment of 'Pakistan-Indonesia Consultative Forum' and 'Cooperation in the Field of Reproductive Health and Family Planning'.

Pakistan and Brunei also have very cordial and warm relations which are based on bonds of a common faith, shared values and perceptions.

The Chief Executive during his visit to Brunei from March 31 to April 1 will brief Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on regional developments.

The two will hold discussions on ways and means of strengthening bilateral relations and increasing economic and trade relations.

His visit is expected to provide a fresh impetus to the already friendly relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the joint commission set up between the two countries has identified education, technical co-operation and human resources management as the areas of co-operation.ÑAPP