Islamabad: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Jan 5, 2004) met Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, their first formal meeting in two years after the failed Agra Summit.

Vajpayee drove to Aiwan-e-Sadar (President's house) for the meeting, which has been described by the Indian side as a "courtesy call".

Vajpayee last night attended a banquet hosted for him and other SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) leaders by Musharraf.

Before going for his meeting with Musharraf, Vajpayee said he was going for a courtesy call. He was replying to a question whether bilateral issues would be discussed with Musharraf.

At a foundation stone-laying function for new Chancery of the Indian High Commission, he told reporters, "I know you have only one question to ask of me. Now I am going to meet him (Musharraf)."