04 January 2004	Sunday	11 Ziqa'ad 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Indian Foreign Secretary Shashank has said the Islamabad Saarc summit will be historic and will pave the way towards a bright future for the seven nation regional grouping.

Talking to mediamen here at the Indian media centre he said the agreements to be signed at the summit will go a long way in boosting cooperation among the regional countries.

He said it is time that we leave our past behind and move forward on to the path to progress and prosperity.

Shashank said the agreement on Safta, additional protocol on Terrorism and the Social Charter will strengthen ties among the regional countries and have a positive impact on their economies.

He was appreciative of the arrangements for the summit and said these would help strengthen ties between the regional alliance.

When asked about the chances of bilateral meeting of Prime Minister Vajpayee with the Pakistani leaders he said it was difficult to say something at this stage.

The Indian foreign secretary said India was also considering requests for facilitating journalists of the Saarc member states who wish to visit the regional countries.-APP