Musharraf arrives tomorrow for three-day RP visit

President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan is arriving tomorrow for a three-day state visit to the Philippines — the first ever by a Pakistani head of state since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1949.

Malacañang said the visit is expected to result in the signing of several agreements on common concerns, including cooperation against terrorism, extradition, consular services, cultural exchanges and the establishment of a joint business council.

"Counter-terrorism cooperation between the Philippines and Pakistan offers a significant opportunity for both countries to elevate their political and security relations and facilitate sustained high-level coordination," Malacañang said.

President Arroyo and Musharraf are also expected to discuss the Philippines’ bid for observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), where Pakistan is a key member; the promotion of inter-faith dialogue and understanding; and the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Malacañang said the state visit would boost bilateral relations between the two countries.

Three Pakistani heads of government have visited the Philippines in an official capacity: Prime Minister Husseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy in May 1957, Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo in May 1988 and Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 1995.

The first Philippine president to make a state visit to Pakistan was Mrs. Arroyo’s father, the late Diosdado Macapagal.

"This visit also has special historical significance since President Arroyo’s father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal, was the first Philippine head of state to visit Pakistan in 1962," Malacañang said.

Fidel Ramos made a state visit to Pakistan in 1997.

While in Manila, Musharraf is scheduled to address a special joint session of Congress in April 19.

He has also been invited to be the keynote speaker in activities organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines and by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Musharraf will be accompanied by his spouse, Sehba Musharraf, and a delegation of ministers, senior officials and business leaders.

Mrs. Arroyo and Musharraf will later join some 50 other national leaders in Indonesia to attend the April 21—23 Asian—African Summit in Jakarta and the Golden Jubilee commemoration of the 1955 Asian—African Conference in Bandung. — Aurea Calica