ISLAMABAD, 21 June 2005 — Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf said his six-day trip to Australia and New Zealand was a great success, adding it gave him the opportunity to outline Islamabad’s efforts in the war on terrorism, sources said. Musharraf returned home yesterday.
“The visit has resulted in favorable understanding of our policies, particularly Pakistan’s efforts against terror to make the world a safer place to live in,” Musharraf said.
Musharraf allied Pakistan with the US-led global terrorism fight following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. His decision drew strong opposition by radical groups in the country.
Musharraf banned several homegrown militant groups, and Pakistani security forces have captured more than 700 Al-Qaeda suspects, including several senior figures.
During Musharraf’s visit to Australia — another close Washington ally — the two countries signed an agreement to boost cooperation in fighting terrorism. In New Zealand, Musharraf asked for help in modernizing Pakistan’s dairy industry.
On his way home, Musharraf held talks with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a stop over in Thailand. The two leaders discussed economic cooperation, reports said.
Thailand and Pakistan have moved closer to establishing a free trade agreement after the leaders of the two countries met reports said yesterday. Thaksin discussed the plan with Musharraf on Sunday at Bangkok’s International Airport, where the Pakistani leader stopped on his return from Australia and New Zealand.
