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| Sunday, 25 July 2004 |
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Pakistan's new envoy hails President Kumaratunga's role in SAARC by S.H.A. Careem The new High Commissioner of Pakistan Bashir Wali Mohamand presented his credentials to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga last week. I met him after the ceremony to get his views on bilateral relations between the two countries and regional situation. He said Pakistan supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. We believe that the Sri Lankan leadership and people have the commitment and ability to resolve their ethnic conflict. We pray for a lasting and durable peace in Sri Lanka. Commenting on strengthening of Sri Lanka-Pakistan relations Mr. Bashir Wali Mohamand said: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have historically enjoyed excellent relations based on mutual trust and confidence. The two countries have helped each other in crucial moments of their history. I do not need to go into details as facts are well known. We share a commonality of interest in maintaining peace security and stability for economic development. During my stay in Sri Lanka, it would be my sincere endeavour to take these historical bonds to a new height and increase interaction in political, economic, commercial, cultural and educational fields. Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations should be further strengthened and one area of co-operation where there is room for improvement is trade and commerce, he added. Pakistan and Sri Lanka signed a Framework Treaty for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during President Musharaf's visit to Colombo in 2002. The new Pakistan Envoy said: We are in the final stages of concluding the agreement. FTA would give a new dimension to the relations between the two countries to come closer through trade and commercial contacts. We need to launch this agreement at an early date. In my meeting with President Kumaratunga, whom I presented my credentials recently I raised this issue and indicated that we should have a set time frame for the conclusion of negotiations and the launch of the FTA. Commenting on SAARC, the new Pakistan Envoy stated that Pakistan has always admired the constructive and pivotal role played by Sri Lanka under President Kumaratunga's leadership in the evolution of SAARC. We shall continue to look towards for President Kumaratunga's leadership for playing a central role in making this organisation a tool for the development and prosperity for the people of South Asia. He said Pakistan remains committed to SAARC process for promotion of regional co-operation for the equal and mutual benefit of all member states. He also commended the signing of South Asia Free Trade Agreement during the 12th SAARC Summit. "The signing of South Asia Free Trade Agreement was a historic moment and heralds a new beginning for the people of South Asia. This together with the signing of social charter, protocol on combatting terrorism financing has given a new life to the organisation" he said. Commenting on strained relations between Pakistan and India has said that this has affected progress in SAARC. Now both countries have started a dialogue to settle disputes between both countries including the core issue of Kashmir. We pray for peace and friendship among states in the region. |
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