President Musharraf meets Egyptian PM, Sudanese president

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia: Oct. 16, 2003 (PNS) — Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid met President General Pervez Musharraf here on Wednesday and exchanged views on bilateral ties and regional and international issues.

The two leaders discussed situation in the Middle East, post-war situation in Iraq, Afghanistan and the situation in South Asia. The President of Sudan Omer Hassan Ahmed El-Bashir also met the President separately and told him that Sudan was on its way to progress after the years of civil war. He also asked technical assistance from Pakistan and scholarships for their students in different disciplines.

President Musharraf appreciated the efforts of the Sudanese President for leading his country on road to progress. He told the two leaders about the situation in South Asia and the efforts by Pakistan for peace in the region.

The President is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khalida Zia Thursday on the sidelines of the 10th Summit of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Conference.

The Muslim leaders would begin two days of talks from tomorrow that is likely to focus on the restructuring of the largest Islamic grouping to make it an effective voice in protecting and promoting interests of Muslims the world over.

President Musharraf who will represent Pakistan at the Summit, is expected to address the Summit on the first day and would share his vision of “Enlightened Moderation” with the leaders as a way forward for the Umma to meet future challenges.

In the evening, President will attend the meeting of the OIC Contact group on Kashmir.