Islamabad, July 13: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf will travel to Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco next week for a visit aimed at strengthening economic relations, the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. Musharraf`s five-day visit to the three countries begins July 14, the ministry said in a statement. It said the ``president`s visit will contribute to the consolidation for the existing ties and provide impetus to greater economic relations.`` Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has been trying to boost Pakistan`s relations with western and Islamic countries and improve its image as abroad as a tolerant Muslim nation.

He returned from a visit to Britain, the United States, Germany and France earlier this week. Musharraf has allied Pakistan with the US.-led war against terrorism in neighboring Afghanistan and banned several militant groups at home in line with his policy to purge the country of Islamic extremism.
Bureau Report