22 July 2004	Thursday	04 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

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ISLAMABAD, July 21: Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said on Wednesday that promotion of peace and security in the region would contribute to the overall economic development in South Asia.

Talking to foreign ministers of Sri Lanka Lakshman Kadirgamar who paid a courtesy call on him here at the PM House, he said Saarc needed to focus on regional cooperation in areas of energy, communication and transport sectors for effective poverty alleviation.

The prime minister discussed with Lakshman Kadirgamar matters related to Saarc, bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister is in Pakistan to attend the 25th Session of Saarc Council of Ministers Meeting.

Mr Shujaat emphasized the need to further build up bilateral relations with Sri Lanka in all fields. The prime minister expressed his support to strengthen regional cooperation and emphasized that to achieve the Saarc objective of poverty alleviation, there was a need to focus on regional cooperation in energy, communication and transport sectors.

Mr Lakshman Kadirgamar expressed his satisfaction at excellent bilateral relations between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He also commended Pakistan's leadership of Saarc since the Islamabad summit. He also appreciated the initiation of dialogue process between Pakistan and India which was instrumental in rejuvenating the Saarc.

NEPALESE FM: Dr Prakash S. Mahat, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, on Wednesday also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minster Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and discussed matters relating to Saarc.

Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain discussed and Dr Mahat bilateral relations as well as international developments. The prime minister emphasized the need to further build up bilateral relations with Nepal in all fields.

Mr Shujaat expressed his support to strengthen regional cooperation. He emphasized that in order to achieve the overall Saarc objective of poverty alleviation, there was a need to promote peace and security in the region which would contribute to the regional economic development.

Dr Mahat commended Pakistan's leadership of Saarc and thanked the Government of Pakistan for making excellent arrangements for the Saarc Council of Ministers meeting. -APP

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