Bangladesh's request was made when Foreign Secretary Shamsher M Chowdhury, called on Pakistan President Pervez Mosharraf in Islamabad yesterday, according to a message received here from Rawalpindi.

The foreign secretary is now on an official tour to Islamabad.

During the meeting, he conveyed the greetings of Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to the Pakistani president.

Bangladesh High Commissioner in Islamabad F A Shamim Ahmed and Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz H Khokhar were present.

Bangladesh foreign secretary apprised President Musharraf of the major achievements of the government of Khaleda Zia and discussed with him matters of bilateral interest.

President Musharraf recalled his visit to Dhaka in July last year and expressed his satisfaction at the existing friendly relations between the two SAARC members.

The foreign secretary said Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was looking forward to visiting Pakistan in early January next year to attend the SAARC summit.

He mentioned the commitment of Bangladesh to SAARC as late president Ziaur Rahman had visualised a vibrant regional organisation.

The foreign secretary conveyed the thanks of Khaleda Zia to President Musharraf for supporting Bangladesh's candidature for the post of OIC secretary general.

President Musharraf evinced keen interest to make the OIC an effective and forward looking organisation capable of safeguarding interests of Muslim Ummah.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues including Afghanistan, situation in Iraq and Middle East Peace Road Map.

Shamsher Chowdhury also called on Pakistan Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali.

The foreign secretary conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to Jamali.

They also discussed matters of bilateral interest and exchanged views on regional and international issues.