Pakistan aims for peaceful, prosperous South Asia - Pakistani PM Yousuf Raza Gilani

Pakistan desires a peaceful and prosperous South Asian region and it will cooperate with all the countries in the region to achieve this desired end, said Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer.

Gilani, now in Sri Lanka for the 15th SAARC Summit, said Pakistan wants peace and security in the region, and is working with all the countries to wipe out terrorism and extremism.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

Q: How do you assess Pakistan’s bilateral ties with Sri Lanka?

A: The bilateral relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are close, cordial and mutually supportive which are based on shared perception of various regional and international issues.

These relations are reflected by regular exchange of high level visits between the two countries. Sri Lanka enjoys the exceptional position of being the first country with which Pakistan has entered into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA); this clearly highlights the trust that we have in the economic potential of Sri Lanka.

Q: Do you envisage the further expansion of the Free Trade Agreement?

A: The balance of trade between the two countries is US$ 137.221 million in favour of Pakistan. Our exports during 2006-07 were US$ 200.605 million and our imports from Sri Lanka were US $ 63.384 million.

We hope to see an increase in bilateral trade with the operation of Free Trade agreement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. We acknowledge the doubling of Volume of Trade between the two countries in the last three years. We expect this to reach the figure of US$ one billion by 2012.

Q: How does Pakistan deal with the challenge of terrorism?

A: Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whether perpetrated by individuals, groups or States resulting in violence or threat of violence against innocent persons irrespective of the motivations involved. We favour concerted action for formulation of a comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Pakistan has deployed more than 120,000 security forces along the border with Afghanistan and set up over 900 border posts to interdict Al-Qaeda/Taliban members. We have lost the precious lives of a number of our security personnel in anti-terrorist operations. The anti-terrorism drive inside the country to hunt down suspected terrorists has met with great success.

We feel that a long-term strategy needs to be evolved to address the factors, which contribute to the growth of and support for, terrorism. There is a need to study, understand and address the underlying causes of terrorism for effectively dealing with this scourge.

We strongly believe that fight against terrorism would not be won merely though short-term military, legislative or administrative measures. We should employ peaceful means including negotiations, in addition to force, for addressing these problems.

Q: How will Pakistan help Lanka to deal with terrorism and reach peace?

A: Pakistan desires a peaceful and prosperous South Asian region and it will cooperate with all the countries in the region to achieve this desired end. Pakistan has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate with all the countries in the region to ensure peace and stability.

Q: What does Pakistan envisage for the future of SAARC?

A: Pakistan envisages SAARC as a vehicle to promote regional peace, stability, amity and progress in the future. It can be actualized by placing our people at the centre of the SAARC process.

Q: What is the current progress of the peace process with India?

A: My Government is committed to take the peace process forward. The ongoing Composite Dialogue between Pakistan and India addresses all important areas of bilateral relationship. We are happy at the progress made in the promotion of bilateral trade, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges.

However, we would also like to see a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, which remains a contentious issue between Pakistan and India. We believe that its resolution can open up vast opportunities of cooperation and collaboration between our two countries

Q: What are the steps being taken to develop cultural and tourism ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan?

A: Pakistan has a rich Buddhist heritage and encourages religious tourism from Sri Lanka. Pakistan has suggested holding a meeting between Sri Lanka and Pakistan Tour operators along with Tourism authorities of two countries to explore ways and means for increasing religious tourism from Sri Lanka to our Buddhist sites.

During the visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Pakistan in March 2006, a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) was signed between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

A number of cultural troupes have been exchanged under this programme. Our relationship with Sri Lanka is becoming closer and stronger.