News
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Pakistan, Bhutan for expanded SAARC role for development
* Gilani, Bangladeshi PM Hasina discuss bilateral ties, cooperation under SAARC
THIMPHU: Pakistan and Bhutan on Tuesday vowed to play more active role in promoting South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and its activities for the development of the region.
Bhutan’s Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley, who met Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on the sidelines of the 16th SAARC Summit, emphasised the importance of the organisation and the need for a closer cooperation.
“We must utilise the SAARC forum to develop cordial relations between the member states as well as for peace and prosperity in the region,” Bhutan’s prime minister said. He said the SAARC forum would also provide a chance to develop and strengthen relations between the member states beyond the substance of the conference. Prime Minister Gilani said the warm reception given to him indicated that the relations between the two countries wee very strong and expressed hope that the summit would further strengthen these relations.
Gilani emphasised the need for further expanding bilateral relations at the people-to-people level. He said the frequent exchange of visits by both the countries would bring the people closer. Praising the SAARC summit’s theme, which was ‘environment’, Prime Minister Gilani said it was a very important issue, not just for the region but also for the world.
Prime Minister Thinley praised Pakistan’s efforts to improve law and order in Swat, hoping that in more people from Bhutan would be able to visit the scenic valley in the future.
Bangladesh: Prime minister Gilani also met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Hasina Wajid at the Bangladesh House. Both the premiers agreed to cooperate with each other for promoting democratic values by using the important forum of SAARC.
Both the leaders discussed the concept of the SAARC Charter of Democracy to further strengthen democratic institutions in the region. The Bangladeshi premier told Gilani that Bangladesh wanted to present the concept of SAARC Charter of Democracy. Prime Minister Gilani assured her full support on this concept. Prime Minister Gilani said the leaders of both the countries rendered sacrifices only for the cause of democracy therefore, they could further cooperate in strengthening the democratic institutions.
He said there are vast opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in all the fields. He said priority should be given to enhance and promote bilateral trade between the two countries.
China: In a separate meeting with Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya, Prime Minister Gilani presented a proposal on trilateral cooperation by Pakistan, China and Afghanistan for the economic development of the Afghan people, which China accepted. The Chinese vice foreign minister assured his complete support and cooperation in this regard. Appreciating the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, he said it would help in promoting prosperity in the country. Prime Minister Gilani condoled the loss of life in the recent earthquake in China and said Pakistan would be sending tents and blankets to help the victims. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk