The foreign secretary is travelling to Pakistan today for key talks with President General Pervez Musharraf.

Discussions over the next three days are expected to be dominated by the issues of international terrorism and security.

On Tuesday, 42 people died in a gun and grenade assault on Shi'ite Muslims in Quetta, as suicide bombers continued their attacks in Iraq.

Allegations have also recently emerged that Pakistan supplied atomic materials and expertise to Iran, who the West believes has attempted to build a nuclear weapons programme.

Peace talks held between Pakistan and India over the disputed region of Kashmir are also expected to be on the agenda.

Strong relationship

Speaking ahead of his visit, Jack Straw highlighted the strong relationship between Britain and Pakistan.

"Pakistan is an important partner for Britain: the UK-Pakistani relationship is close and strong. Our relations are enhanced not only by our shared human contacts, which arise out of our historical links, but also by the common interests which bind our nations in the 21st Century," he said.

"Pakistan is a key ally in the war against terrorism, and plays an important role in the international community more widely. Our two countries work closely together across a raft of issues, and British and Pakistani ministers are frequent visitors to each others’ countries.

"We already enjoy a comprehensive and valuable dialogue, and I look forward to seeing it developed and intensified in the year ahead."

Memorial

Ahead of the Pakistan leg of his tour, the foreign secretary will visit Istanbul for a memorial ceremony for the victims of last year's suicide attacks on British targets in the country.

British consul-general Roger Short was among those killed when trucks carrying explosives crashed into the British consulate and the local headquarters of the HSBC bank.

A total of 69 suspects will face trial in connection with the attacks, while a further nine are still on the run, including the alleged ringleaders.