International

Russian parliamentary team meets Musharraf

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD APRIL 16. A Russian parliamentary delegation headed by Dimitriy Rogozin, Chairman, Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the State Duma called on the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, here today and exchanged views on a wide range of issues.

The visit of the delegation is seen as an exploratory mission to improve ties between Pakistan and Russia.

Mr. Rogozin conveyed a message of goodwill on behalf of President Putin. Gen. Musharraf reciprocated the sentiments.

An official statement said the Russian delegation praised President Musharraf's efforts and plans to bring stability in the country and improve Pakistan's image as a forward-looking state in the comity of nations.

Gen. Musharraf emphasized the need to develop bilateral relations and expressed the hope of an early meeting with the Russian President.

The President and the Russian delegation exchanged views on issues relating to regional security, Afghanistan, Pakistan-India relations, anti-terrorism campaign and prospects of future cooperation in various fields. The President also informed the visiting Parliamentarians about the reform agenda being implemented by the present Government for political and economic stability of the country.

Diplomatic and political observers believe that with the collapse of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, one of the major hurdles in normalisation of ties between Pakistan and Russia stands removed. Before September 11 last year, when the Taliban was reigning supreme in Afghanistan, there were efforts by Pakistan and Russia to better their relations but the efforts did not go very far.

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