ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's foreign minister said on Monday that its military ruler had not yet scheduled visits to China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab emirates, but did not rule out the idea.

Foreign Minister, Abdul Sattar, told CNN in an interview that Pakistan was establishing close consultations with friends around the world to discuss the crisis following the September 11 terror attacks on the United States.

But he played down suggestions that President Pervez Musharraf would leave for the three countries imminently.

"Let me say we are in very close contact with the leadership of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Similarly we are in close contact with our other friends, notably China, and we are also in the process of establishing close consultations with other friends," he added.

"I think the news that you have seen that the president will be traveling to China today or tomorrow anticipates decisions in this respect," he said.

Afghanistan's ruling Taleban are sheltering Saudi Muslim dissident, Osama bin Laden, who has been singled out by the United States as the suspected mastermind behind the September 11 attacks.

Pakistan has sent a delegation to Afghanistan to urge the Taleban to hand over Bin Laden, who has denied the charge.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab emirates are the only three countries that recognize the Taleban as Afghanistan's legitimate government.