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ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf Friday said both Iran and Pakistan should increase their counter-terrorism cooperation against Al-Qaeda to eradicate this menace from the region.

The President was talking to first Vice President of Iran Dr. Mohammad Reza who called on him here today after concluding his official visit to Islamabad from 4-5 March.

The President said both countries should work cooperatively together in Afghanistan, to assist in its reconstruction and to increase trade linkages with Afghanistan and also the Central Asian Republics.

Satisfaction

President Musharraf expressed his satisfaction on the fruitful Joint Economic Commission meeting, and urged that bilateral trade between the two countries should reflect the depth of their political relationship.

Pakistan looked forward to concluding arrangements which would facilitate Pakistan's trade with Turkey, the Central Asian Republics and with Europe through Iran, the president said and added that gas pipeline project between the two countries constitutes a very important objective.

Dr. Arif Reax

The First Vice President of Iran assured President Musharraf that Iran attached the highest priority to its excellent and close relations with Pakistan.

He emphasized that no third country could ever exercise any negative influence on Iran's bilateral relationship with Pakistan.

Iran would like to further extend this bilateral relationship into the regional and international spheres, where on many important issues, including on the Middle East and Kashmir, the positions were very similar and supportive, the Vice President said.

The First Vice President briefed the President on the successful Joint Economic Commission meeting between the two countries, which had negotiated and finalized a number of important bilateral agreements.

Dr. Mohammad Reza Arif said both countries should work further together to assist in Afghanistan's reconstruction and stability and Iran would like to move beyond preferential trade to free trade between the two countries.

Joint Working Committee

It had also been agreed to set up a joint working committee to monitor progress and to present a report within three months, which would permit both Governments to review implementation, and also to take action towards this end, when required.

Visit Invitation

He conveyed President Khatami's invitation for the President to visit Iran at his earliest convenience, where the President would be "in his own country."

President General Pervez Musharraf, while conveying his appreciation of this invitation, requested the First Vice President to convey his warmest regards for President Khatami.