They discussed matters of mutual interest during the meeting.

Both the leaders stressed the need for improving economic relations between Dhaka and Islamabad, and strengthening the SAARC to fight poverty in the region.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina said her government had undertaken various plans to improve the socio-economic conditions of the poor and to empower women.

The hour-long meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, said Hasina's press advisor Jawadul Karim.

Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil MP, Kazi Zafrullah MP, Saber Hossain Chowdhury and Syed Abul Hossain MP, and Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Iqbal Ahmed Khan were also present.

Ending his three-day official visit to Bangladesh, the Pakistani minister left Dhaka yesterday for Sri Lanka.

Kasuri came here to hand over a formal invitation to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to attend the 12th SAARC summit to be held in Pakistan in January next.

During his stay, he called on the president and had meetings with the finance minister, the foreign minister and the leader of the opposition in parliament.

Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan bade farewell to the Pakistan foreign minister at the airport.