Musharraf calls on Vajpayee

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April 18, 2005 13:28 IST

Departing from protocol, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf called on former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi on Monday.

Vajpayee told reporters after a 30-minute meeting with Musharraf that the "fresh chapter" in Indo-Pak relations should be carried forward.

Musharraf visit -- The Full Coverage

Musharraf, who had struck a personal rapport with Vajpayee despite the failed Agra Summit four years ago, said that he respected Vajpayee a lot and came to meet him at his residence.

"The India-Pakistan cricket ties started during your time and improved and I respect you a lot," he said.

"I am optimistic that Vajpayee would give full support on every subject that is taken up between two countries," the Pakistani leader said.

He said it was Vajpayee who started the peace process and has given full support to the ongoing process.

Flanked by former external affairs minister Jaswant Singh and former national security advisor Brajesh Mishra, Vajpayee came to the porch to receive Musharraf and to later see him off.

Musharraf also took leave of members of Vajpayee's foster family.

Vajpayee said he had raised the issue of Indian fishermen and their boats and Musharraf quipped "what will I
do with the boats".

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