Frankfurt: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived in Frankfurt on September 9 afternoon enroute New York, where he will hold talks with US President George Bush and other world leaders, mainly focussing on comprehensive international efforts to combat terrorism.

Vajpayee would have a 35-minute meeting with Bush on September 12 and address the UN General Assembly the next day besides attending a function to commemorate the first anniversary of the September 11 terror strikes in the US.

Vajpayee, who will spend the night in Frankfurt before flying to New York on September 10 morning is expected to impress upon Bush and other leaders the need to put further pressure on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to end cross-border terrorism which alone could diffuse tension in the region and lead to resumption of dialogue between the two countries for resolving outstanding issues.

Frankfurt Protocol chief Tigter Tiene greeted Vajpayee on behalf of the German government on his arrival at the airport by a special Air India flight from where he drove to Hotel Kempins Gavenpruch for the night halt.

While overflying Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary and Austria, the Prime Minister sent goodwill messages to the leaders of these countries.

PTI