Pakistan says it hopes President Pervez Musharraf's upcoming visit to Russia will begin a new era of friendship and bury past differences between the countries.
Pakistani Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokar said Sunday the countries will sign four agreements designed to strengthen relations and economic ties, as General Musharraf meets with Russian officials from Tuesday to Thursday.
One agreement is expected to focus on restructuring Pakistan's debt to Russia and the terms of its re-payment.
Mr. Khor said Pakistan is also interested in getting Russian cooperation on oil and gas exploration.
The Pakistani official said President Musharraf plans to tell his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, that Pakistan is very responsible when it comes to protecting its nuclear assets. President Musharraf told Russia's Interfax news agency Sunday there is no way terrorist groups can acquire sensitive material linked to Pakistan's nuclear weapons.
General Musharraf also told Interfax he welcomes interaction between Russia and Pakistan on all issues, including military cooperation. Military ties between Russia and Pakistan have been weak in recent years.
Interfax also quoted President Musharraf as saying Pakistan has no definite information that al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden is hiding somewhere in the Pakistani-Afghan border region.