ISLAMABAD, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday expressed hope that Arab League Summit will result in a move forward to bring peace in the Middle East and harmony in the Muslim world.

    Musharraf made the statement while talking to newsmen before his departure for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to attend the Arab League Summit as a special guest.

    "The summit has special significance as it is in fact a continuation of the new initiative by Pakistan aimed at resolving the problems in the Middle East and for harmony in the Muslim World," Musharraf said.

    He said he has visited several Arab countries and some other like-minded Muslim countries and discussed with them issues of concern.

    "Pakistan appreciates and very much admire the role of King Abdullah for reconciling the differences between Fatah and Hamas groups in Palestine," the president said.

    Musharraf is accompanied by Foreign Minister Mr. Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri and Foreign Secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan.