President Pervez Musharraf has expressed confidence that the existing friendly relations between Pakistan and Australia would be further strengthened through increased economic and commercial co-operation.
The President was speaking to members of an Australian parliamentary delegation who called on him here on Wednesday. Recalling his very successful visit to Australia in June 2005, he thanked the Australian government for offering 500 scholarships for Pakistan's students.
He expressed hope that mutual collaboration between Pakistan and Australia would increase, especially in the fields of agriculture and agro-based industry, fruit processing, dairy and education
President Musharraf briefed the delegation members on the socio-economic reforms in Pakistan, strengthening of democratic institutions, including introduction of grass-roots democracy, empowerment of women, steps taken to curb extremism an d terrorism and the strategy of 'enlightened moderation'. He also touched upon the regional security situation and the ongoing composite dialogue with India for resolution of all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The Australian parliamentary delegation comprised Peter Lindsay, Peter Slipper, Harry Quick, and Ms Ruth S Webberr. National Assembly Speaker Amir Hussain was also present in the meeting.
The Australian delegation members praised the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan for economic and social development of the country and expressed admiration for the President for taking bold and courageous decisions to curb extremism and terrorism.
The Australian parliamentarians recognised that Pakistan has a very important role to play at the regional and global levels not only in maintenance of peace and security but also in economic and social progress.
Comments
Comments are closed.