Pakistan, Turkey sign anti-terror deal

"Turkey and Pakistan are determined to efficiently maintain their joint stance against terrorism. We support the steps that my dear brother has taken against terrorism and extremism," Turkish president Ahmet Necdet Sezer told a news conference held jointly with Musharraf.

The anti-terrorist agreement covers the exchange of information and experts, Musharraf said for his part.

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Several of the Muslim extremists blamed for November's car bomb attacks in Istanbul, which left 62 dead and hundreds injured, were said to have received training in extremist camps in Pakistan.

In addition to the anti-terrorist cooperation deal, officials signed agreements on economic partnership and preferential trade, along with accords touching on the banking and health sectors.

"I'm sure these agreements will strengthen and fortify the already close and brotherly relations between Turkey and Pakistan," Musharraf said.

The Pakistani president, who was making his first visit abroad since two attempts on his life last month by Islamist extremists, said they also discussed regional issues, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus, along with recent developments in relations between his country and India.