President General Pervez Musharraf has described his visit to Australia and New Zealand as extremely successful and vowed to build on recognition of his efforts for world peace to draw investment into Pakistan, facilitate higher education and improve the country''s image internationally.
"The visit has resulted in favourable understanding of our policies particularly Pakistan''s efforts against terror to make the world a safer place to live in - both the Australian and New Zealand leaderships have assured of their co-operation in our socio-economic development - so it was a successful visit from all accounts, political, diplomatic and economics," he said.
President Musharraf told the accompanying media team while flying back home after six-day visit to the Pacific region that it is his earnest desire that he translates the acknowledgement of his efforts for world peace into Pakistan''s achievements in the field of economy and education.
"My endeavours are geared to use the goodwill and international acceptance of our counter-terror role for attracting foreign investment for sustained high growth and poverty reduction - I will also focus on facilitating higher education for the new generation.
"At the same times, I will arrive to use the goodwill to bolster Pakistan''s image, as we are a victim of misperceptions, while we are a moderate and progressive country.
"I am glad that this is happening as the world is perceptive and responsive to our actions against terrorism, focus on socio-economic development and our tackling the malaise of extremism," said the President.
During the visit, Australia and New Zealand agreed to offer 700 post-graduate scholarships for Pakistani students in their institutions of higher learning.
"This is a breakthrough for our younger generation," he said.
New Zealand, he said, has agreed to explore ways for extending co-operation in dairy farming, livestock farming, agriculture research yield intensification and food and fruit processing.
"This will be a great stride towards reducing poverty in rural areas, where 70 percent of the country''s population lives. We will be able to make effective use of water management, intensify production and bring more jobs to the people in agrarian areas.
Commenting on Australian Prime Minister Howard''s conforming to his views for greater trade between the industrialised nations and the developing countries, the President said it is matter of satisfaction that the world has recognised Pakistan''s call for adopting a strategy of enlightened moderation.
"Pakistan has clearly impressed upon the world that it is for world peace. I believe that the international community is responding positively to the strategy of enlightened moderation under which the west has to resolve political disputes affecting Muslims with justice and the Muslim countries have to reject extremism for its socio-economic development."
In response to a question about his counter-terror role bringing out rare harmony of views between the Australian Prime Minister and the opposition leader, Kim Beazley, the President observed that in developed democracies the leaders put national interests ahead of political considerations.
Referring to hint numerous interactions with the media, the President said he used these to remove misperceptions about Pakistan''s position on various subjects.
Earlier, during a stopover on his way to Islamabad in Thailand, President Pervez Musharraf and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra here on Sunday discussed enhancing bilateral ties through increased trade and economic co-operation.
The Thai Prime Minister expressed support for full dialogue partnership with Asean. President Musharraf thanked the Thai Prime Minister for extending support in this regard, saying that Pakistan wants to develop its trade and economic relations with Asean members as part of its ''Vision East Asia''.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest including Pakistan-India relations and fight against terrorism. They also discussed the prospects for co-operation in the field of tourism.
The Thai Prime Minister appreciated Pakistan''s recent economic turnaround and reciprocated President Musharraf''s desire for further expanding bilateral trade and economic relationship.
Prime Minister Shinawatra also expressed appreciation for Pakistan''s efforts for peace in the region and the recent improvement in Pakistan-India relations.
President Pervez Musharraf briefed the Thai Prime Minister about Islamabad''s efforts for establishing peace in South Asia through resolution of the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Those who attended the meeting included Minister for Industries Jehangir Tareen, Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr Attaur Rehman, Chairman Export Promotion Bureau Tariq Ikram, Foreign Secretary Riaz M Khan, Information Secretary Shahid Rafi and Pakistan Ambassador to Thailand.
Later, President Musharraf returned home after paying a weeklong visit to Australia and New Zealand. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz received the President at the airport.
Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Vice Chief of the Army Staff and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
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