President General Pervez Musharraf and his Philippine counterpart Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday agreed to develop a vibrant trade and economic relationship, with the visiting Pakistani leader also expressing Islamabad's desire to have free trade agreement (FTA) with Asean member states. The two leaders, who met exclusively here at the Malacanang Palace, saw vast prospects for mutually beneficial economic and trade exchanges.
Apprising the host leader about Pakistan's growing economy, President Musharraf sought Manila's support in securing an FTA with the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), stating that it would provide better access to Pakistani products in many areas.
The Philippine leader assured her country's active role in this regard.
Later, senior aides joined the two leaders in delegation-level talks, focusing on enhancing bilateral co-operation in various fields including fight against terrorism.
The two presidents also witnessed the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding/agreements on enhancing bilateral co-operation in various fields including joint efforts against terrorism and other crimes through enhanced intelligence and security co-operation.
Gloria Arroyo said Manila greatly values Pakistan's key contribution and President Musharraf's leading role in the fight against terrorism.
The two presidents also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern including Afghanistan and Pakistan-India peace process.
President Musharraf informed the Philippine leader about the outcome of his talks with the Indian leadership in New Delhi,
Arroyo said the Philippines greatly appreciates President Musharraf's efforts for establishment of durable peace in South Asia through a composite dialogue process with India.
"We believe in harmony in the region and peaceful resolution of all disputes," she said.
During talks, President Musharraf emphasised the importance for the two countries to have institutionalised framework aimed at forging a robust trade and economic relationship.
The two leaders also decided to augment co-operation between private sectors, with the Philippine President saying that her country would import pharmaceuticals from Pakistan, which are not only inexpensive but also of good quality. Musharraf asked Arroyo to facilitate Pakistani rice exports to her country, saying Pakistani rice ranks among the best in the world.
Welcoming President Musharraf to Manila, she expressed the hope that the first ever visit by a Pakistani head of state would impart a new vigour to the bilateral ties.
Reciprocating her views, the President extended an invitation to the Philippine leader to visit Pakistan, which the host leader accepted.
The Philippine leader said her country aspires to have observer's status in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).
The President said that the OIC is in the process of restructuring and determining criteria for giving observer status to other countries.
Pakistan and the Philippines also inked an agreement on programme for cultural exchanges for promoting co-operation through people-to-people contacts.
The United Marketing of Pakistan and Philippine International Trading Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for increased supply of pharmaceuticals to the Far Eastern country.
Pakistan and the Philippines also concluded an agreement on abolition of visa requirement for holders of diplomatic passports.
Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan, Minister for Culture and Youth Affairs Muhammad Ali Durrani, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Dr Amir Liaquat Hussain and Advisor to Prime Minister on Women Development Nilfofar Bakhtiar, Foreign Secretary Riaz M. Khan and Information Secretary Shahid Rifat assisted the President at the delegation-level talks.
Earlier, on arrival at the Philippine Presidential Malacanan Palace here, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo received the visiting leader amid a 21-gun salute boom. The national anthems of the two countries were played.
President Musharraf reviewed a guard of honour presented by Philippines Presidential Guard.
At the ceremony, the host leader introduced members of her cabinet to the Pakistani leader.
President Musharraf also introduced members of his delegation to the Philippine leader.
Earlier, the President paid his respects to the Filipino national hero, Jose Rizal, a 19th century writer, poet and leader, who championed the cause of human rights of the oppressed people.
The President laid a wreath and stood in silence for sometime.
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