From Russia with Love

President Vladimir Putin of Russia called President General Pervez Musharraf by telephone today. President Putin warmly recalled President Musharraf’s visit to Moscow last February which had opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. Both leaders recalled their extensive discussions in Moscow during which it had been agreed that the vast potential for economic and commercial collaboration between the two countries needed to be developed rapidly. They noted with satisfaction the progress achieved so far and expressed their resolve to further consolidate and enhance the bilateral relationship

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Both leaders agreed that the strengthening of relations between Russia and Pakistan was mutually beneficial and would have a positive impact on regional peace and security.

President General Musharraf also thanked President Putin for his earlier message of felicitations on the occasion of his 60^{th birthday.}

Islamabad

August , 2003