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Security will be tight when Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf visits of Australia which begins tomorrow night. Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner in Canberra, Muhammad Sarfraz Khanzada, said it would be the first visit to Australia by a Pakistani Head of State. General Musharraf will discuss counter-terrorism and trade with Prime Minister John Howard. He will attend a state dinner hosted by Governor-General Michael Jeffery at the Government House, and a lunch in Parliament's Great Hall. It is possible they could also agree to open talks on a new trade deal for agriculture.

He will be accompanied by First Lady Sehba Musharraf, the minister for industries and production and special initiatives, senior officials and businessmen. The visit aims at reinvigorating Pakistan's relations with the two countries by forging cooperation in the economic, trade, agriculture, education, security and other fields. Besides reviewing bilateral relations and identifying new areas of cooperation, Musharraf will also exchange views on regional and international situation including UN Security Council reforms with the leadership of Australia and New Zealand. Australia and Pakistan will sign a counter-terrorism cooperation agreement during a visit this week by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf - the first ever by a Pakistani head of state - Australia's Prime Minister said today. "Pakistan is a key ally for Australia in the war on terror, and has played a pivotal role in efforts to dismantle global terrorist networks such as al-Qaeda," Prime Minister John Howard, said.  

Howard called the visit a "historic milestone" in the two countries' relations, and said he and Musharraf would sign a memorandum of understanding that outlines a joint approach to global counter-terrorism efforts. "These agreements play an important role in fostering cooperation between our intelligence, security, law enforcement and defence agencies," Howard said in a statement issued today. Howard also praised Musharraf's support for the U.S.-led war on terror. "President Musharraf has played a courageous and resolute role in combating terrorism in the region, and has demonstrated a strong personal commitment to improving relations between Pakistan and India," he said. Howard also said he plans to talk with Musharraf about prospects for closer cooperation in agriculture and a formal partnership between the two countries' financial regulatory bodies. Musharraf is to arrive tomorrow in Australia's capital, Canberra, and is to stop in Sydney before travelling to New Zealand on Thursday.