The President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, has arrived in Australia for a three-day visit, touching down in Canberra in the middle of a downpour.
During the visit, President Musharraf will sign a memorandum of understanding with Australia on counter-terrorism.
Announcing the leader's visit yesterday, Prime Minister John Howard said Pakistan was a key ally of Australia's in the war on terrorism.
"[He] has played a pivotal role in efforts to dismantle global terrorist networks such as Al Qaeda," Mr Howard said.
"President Musharraf has played a courageous and resolute role in combating terrorism in the region."
The memorandum will be Australia's 11th on counter-terrorism.
President Musharraf will also hold talks with Mr Howard on a formal partnership between the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
The two men will also discuss closer cooperation between their countries in the agriculture industry.
President Musharraf will visit Canberra and Sydney during his stay and will address the National Press Club tomorrow.
