Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/5/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA / PAKISTAN (L-O)

NUMBER=2-299254

BYLINE=LISA MCADAMS

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, have pledged to increase cooperation between their two countries, especially in fighting terrorism. V-O-A's Lisa McAdams reports news of the greater cooperation came after talks between the two leaders in the Kremlin.

TEXT: President Putin says he is confident General Musharraf's visit, the first by a leader of Pakistan to Moscow in more than 30-years, will help promote stronger bilateral relations between the two nations.

Speaking to reporters after two-hours of closed-door talks, Mr. Putin said they covered many topics but he emphasized that fighting global terrorism was a key priority for both men.

General Musharraf characterized the talks as "productive and open," and said he had come to Moscow not to open a new chapter in relations with Russia but, in his words, "a whole new book."

Russian and Pakistani delegations signed three bilateral agreements, including a memorandum of understanding between the interior ministries of Russia and Pakistan. Russia has questioned Pakistan's commitment to fighting Islamic militant groups, and it is likely the agreement seeks to clarify how the two countries could work together to thwart terrorist threats.

Analysts expect few other concrete results from President Musharraf's trip, other than possible advances in expanding trade between Moscow and Islamabad.

Before General Musharraf's departure Thursday, the two leaders are expected to sign a series of defense and economic agreements, chief among them a restructuring of Pakistan's debt to Russia.

/// OPT /// Russian officials have also said they hope to secure agreements to launch Pakistani satellites aboard Russian rockets. Both nations would also like to see a boost in trade.

Russia has made it clear that while it may seek to improve its relations with Pakistan, the improvement will not come at the expense of India, Pakistan's neighbor.

As General Musharraf arrived Tuesday in Russia, President Putin telephoned leaders of rival India to reiterate Russia's long-standing support.

A Kremlin statement prior to the talks stressed Russia's desire to work with Pakistan to guarantee strategic stability, but added that cooperation must take place without detriment to Russia's traditional partners. /// END OPT ///

Pakistan's president earlier expressed hopes Russia would play a key role in helping Pakistan resolve its long-standing dispute with India over Kashmir, which both nations claim as their own. But there was no word of progress on that issue. (SIGNED)

NEB/LAM/KL/RAE/FC