Australia and Pakistan will sign a counterterrorism cooperation agreement during a visit to Australia this week by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf -- the first ever by a Pakistani head of state -- Australia's Prime Minister John Howard said on Sunday.
"Pakistan is a key ally for Australia in the war on terror, and has played a pivotal role in efforts to dismantle global terrorist networks such as Al Qaida,'' Howard said.
Howard called the visit a historic milestone in the two countries' relations, and said he and Musharraf will sign a memorandum of understanding that outlines a joint approach to global counterterrorism efforts.
"These agreements play an important role in fostering cooperation between our intelligence, security, law enforcement and defence agencies,'' Howard said in a statement issued on Sunday.
Howard also praised Musharraf's support for the United States-led war on terror.
"President Musharraf has played a courageous and resolute role in combating terrorism in the region, and has demonstrated a strong personal commitment to improving relations between Pakistan and India,'' he said.
Howard also said he plans to talk with Musharraf about prospects for closer cooperation in agriculture and a formal partnership between the two countries' financial regulatory bodies.
Musharraf is to arrive on Monday in Australia's capital, Canberra, and is to stop in Sydney before travelling to New Zealand on Thursday.