Pakistan, Lebanon to expand ties

Pakistan and Lebanon agreed to expand economic, commercial and defence cooperation during talks between Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and President General Pervez Musharraf here yesterday.

Musharraf told reporters after the hour-long session that Pakistan would send a contingent of 300 troops as soon as possible to undertake mine-clearing operations in southern Lebanon.
"The visit of the Lebanese prime minister has been extremely fruitful," the president said.
There was a "total unanimity" of views during the in-depth talks that covered collaboration in defence field besides promotion of bilateral economic and trade links and international issues.

"We have reached an agreement on demining operations around Beirut and southern Lebanon. About 300 Pakistani troops will be sent to Lebanon for the purpose as soon as possible," Musharraf said. Hariri arrived here on Tuesday on a two-day visit, accompanied by a delegation including his key cabinet ministers.

Speaking at a state banquet overnight, Hariri said both Pakistan and Lebanon were affected by regional instability that hampered their economic development. "We in Lebanon continue to suffer from Israel's occupation of a part of our land and its continued refusal to abide by all the UN resolutions.

"In our view the best way to achieve the objective of peace is to extend our hand to our friends in international community and Pakistan is first among those friends." Hariri said the two countries must "strengthen, deepen and expand their economic relations." The Lebanese prime minister, who left for home later yesterday, lauded Pakistan's consistent support for Arab causes.