ALGIERS, July 16: Recalling the sacrifices rendered by Algerian people for independence from colonial rule, President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday called upon its leadership to strengthen close relations in the fields of economic, political and technical cooperation.

“It is my earnest desire to translate this friendship and immense goodwill into multi-dimensional cooperation in a host of areas including economic, political and technical exchange,” Gen Musharraf said in a statement on his arrival from Tunis for a two-day official visit, the first in 30 years by a Pakistani head of state.

President Musharraf recalled Pakistan’s association with Algeria which, he stated, was rooted in history when the Algerians stood up to fight for independence and Pakistan lent its full support to the cause of Algerian freedom movement.

Gen Musharraf said he was keenly looking forward to his talks with President Bouteflika for further deepening Pakistan-Algeria relations and to benefit from a brotherly exchange of views on important international issues.

On his arrival, Gen MUsharraf was accorded a red-carpet welcome here. Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika, Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, and other high-ranking officials received the president at the Houari Boumadiene International Airport.

A 21-gun salute boomed as the president alighted from the plane. Two children attired in traditional dress presented bouquet to the President and Begum Sehba Musharraf.

The president then reviewed the guard of honour.

He was introduced to the government ministers and diplomats. He, in turn, introduced his members of entourage to the Algerian president.

President Bouteflika accompanied the president to the official guest house Zeralda as a special gesture of hospitality.

The entire 50 kilometre route stretched from the airport to the Guest House was decorated with Pakistani and Algerian flags.

The president, in his arrival statement, said he was delighted to be in Algiers as the two countries enjoyed close fraternal relations.

The president also conveyed, once again, deep condolences to all the bereaved families of Algeria who suffered the loss of their loved ones and damage to property as a result of the devastating earthquake in May.

His visit underscored “the common desire of the authorities of both the countries to imbue bilateral relations with a new dynamism,” officials said.

The Pakistani leader is expected to sign several cooperation accords with his Algerian hosts during the visit.

He is also expected to discuss key regional and international events and issues with Bouteflika.

He said under the leadership of president Aziz Bouteflika, Algeria was pursuing efforts for promoting peace and cooperation among African, Arab and Western countries.

“We appreciate Algerian government’s plans for restructuring and opening up the economy. I am keenly looking forward to talks with President Aziz Bouteflika for further deepening Pakistan-Algeria relations, and to benefit from a brotherly exchange of views on important international subjects,” the president stated.

Besides Begum Sehba Musharraf, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri and Chairman Export Promotion Bureau Tariq Ikram are accompanying the president. A delegation of 20 businessmen are also part of entourage.

Earlier, President Musharraf held a second round of talks with his Tunisian counterpart Zine El Abidine Ben Ali before his departure.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their long-standing cooperation. The leaders expressed the resolve that the two countries would continue with their ties in all fields, particularly in science and technology.

The President was formally seen off at the end of his three-day official visit to this north African country at the Carthage Palace by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

AGREEMENT: Pakistan and Tunisia on Wednesday agreed to consider the prospects of Free Trade Agreement between the two countries to give further boost to their existing economic and trade ties.

During a meeting between Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri and his Tunisian counterpart Habib Ben Yahia, the two sides agreed on the need to give impetus to their trade ties in view of the commonality of views between the two countries, “as was evident by the complete understanding between the presidents of Pakistan and Tunisia.”—Agencies