President General Musharraf has expressed the confidence that the existing friendly relations between Pakistan and Australia would be further strengthened though increased economic and commercial cooperation. The President was speaking to an Australian parliamentary delegation. Recalling his very successful visit to Australia in June 2005, President Musharraf thanked the Australian Government for offering 500 scholarships for Pakistani students.
He expressed the 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 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 and 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 Mr. Peter Lindsay, MP, Mr. Peter Slipper, MP, Mr. Harry Quick, MP and Ms. Ruth S. Webberr, Senator. National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain was also present at the meeting.
The Australian delegation 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 delegation recognized 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.
