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CE in Bangkok

BANGKOK: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf flew here on the last leg of his five East Asian countries visit by a commercial flight on a working visit during which he will hold talks with the prime minister of Thailand, on economic and commercial ties here on Monday.

Pakistan and Thailand are bound in close historical and cultural ties, shared oriental values and commonalty of views on issues of regional and global importance", he said in his arrival statement here Sunday.

Gen Musharraf said, he will use the opportunity during his talks with the Thai prime minister to brief him on the security situation in South Asia.

The Chief Executive expressed the confidence that the relationship between Pakistan and Thailand will further consolidate and fortify their co-operative relations as a result of his visit.

Earlier, on his departure from Bandar Seri Begawan, Gen Musharraf said his talks with Sultan of Brunei covered the whole spectrum of bilateral relations.

The Chief Executive said he briefed him on the "delicate Situation" in the region. "We also have an in-depth exchange of views of regional and global issues of common interest, which reflected the convergence of our perceptions," he said.

He said the primary focus of his talks with Sultan of Brunei was "bilateral, economic and commercial cooperation and the situation in the South Asian region".

General Musharraf thanked the Sultan for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his visit.ÑAPP