Bangladesh, July 18 -- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has moved closer to finalizing a deal with Boeing for 16 new aircraft, following progress in talks held at the American planemaker's headquarters in Washington.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Boeing's headquarters on July 16, where he met Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson to discuss the proposed acquisition and options for modernizing the national carrier's fleet.

A delegation from PIA's new management also attended the meeting.

Officials said the two sides reviewed suitable aircraft options and discussed ways to secure the best possible commercial terms for the airline. Both parties agreed to work toward finalizing the deal at the earliest opportunity...