Moscow: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf was accorded the highest level of reception at Kremlin on February 5 by Russian President Vladimir Putin who expressed the hope the his visit would boost bilateral Russia-Pak relations.

Observing that a new fillip to development of Moscow-Islamabad ties was given after Pakistan joined the anti-terror coalition, Putin said, he hoped that the three-day visit of Pakistani President would "provide a new impetus for development of economic and political relations".

Welcoming Musharraf in the green drawing room of the historic Moscow Kremlin (Fort), Putin complimented Musharraf as "not only a successful military man, but also a successful politician".

Musharraf, who arrived in Moscow on February 4 to patch up ties with India's strategic ally thanked Putin for the warm welcome.

The two leaders are expected to focus on bilateral ties and key international issues including Iraq and North Korea.

"A special focus would be on South Asia and fulfilment of Pakistani obligations before the world community to crack down on terrorist outfits threatening neighbouring countries," a Kremlin source was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS.

PTI