Beijing: Stressing that Indo-Pak dialogue "must start," Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that he does not expect any immediate major breakthrough in bilateral ties.

"We are not expecting an immediate breakthrough or solution. But meaningful dialogue must start," Musharraf told 'China Daily' newspaper prior to his five-day visit to the Communist country beginning today (November 1).

"I would like to see relations between Pakistan and India improve at a faster pace," Musharraf was quoted in a front-paged article.

"We are looking forward to holding the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) summit in Islamabad in January 2004. We hope for positive results," he said when asked to comment on Islamabad's rations with New Delhi.

Asked to comment on India's close ties with the United States, Musharraf said it did not affect Islamabad's relations with Washington.

"US relations with any other country will have no effect on our relations with the US," he said.

"Since the terrible events of September 11, Pakistan-US relations have gained a new vigour," he said adding, "we are developing a broad-based and long-term relationship with the United States."

PTI