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Saturday, September 08, 2012
Pakistan strongly interested in peace: Zardari
Staff ReportISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said that Pakistan had abiding interest in promotion of regional peace and stability that would enable the people of the region to exploit enormous opportunities available in South Asia.
During his meeting with Indian Foreign Minsiter SM Krishna at the Presidency, he said that finding amicable and just solutions to resolve outstanding issues was important for Pakistan and India to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
Those who were present during the meeting included Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal, Adviser to External Affairs Minister Raghavendra Shastry, YK Sinha and Akbaruddin, from the Indian side.
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Salman Faruqui, President’s spokesman Senator Farhatullah Babar, Senator Sughra Imam, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistani High Commissioner to India Salman Bashir and Asif Durrani were present from the Pakistani side.
Briefing reporters about the meeting, Senator Babar said that the president had emphasised that it was time for the two countries to move beyond reiteration of their positions to more substantive results. The president said that showing greater understanding of each others’ concerns and sensitivities would help in the solution of the mutual issues, he added.
Zardari reiterated his call for the two countries to make determined efforts for friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations, treading the path of productive and result-oriented dialogue. He stressed the need for exchange of visits of businessmen and entrepreneurs of the two countries to enhance bilateral trade.
He said that multifaceted cooperation between the two countries was imperative for the socio-economic development of the people and to cope with the common challenge of terrorism. He said that terrorism was a common enemy afflicting both the countries. Calling for the need to fight the menace jointly, the president said that Pakistan stood resolute to fight it until the finish.
The president also said that the two countries must not allow the derailment of normalisation process. In that regard, the president also suggested reviving the anti-terrorism mechanism comprising of representatives of the Foreign Office, home and interior and intelligence agencies of the two countries.
He said that the frequent interactions of the leadership of the two countries would help provide impetus to the efforts for ensuring peace and creating better understanding on various issues. He said that we have great respect for Sonia Gandhi and hold Dr Mamohan Singh in high esteem. The president appreciated the Indian prime minister’s vision for peace in South Asia.
Krishna thanked the president for the meeting and conveyed best wishes of the Indian leadership and people for the government and the people of Pakistan. He said that his country desired good relations with Pakistan and wanted to work together in coping with the common challenges and issues.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk