Settlement of political disputes stressed: Musharraf, Khaleda agree to boost ties
ISLAMABAD, Feb 14: President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday said that South Asia must overcome its political conflicts to pave the way for progress and prosperity of the one-fifth of humanity living in the region.
He was speaking to visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at a meeting here at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.
“The only reason that our region, which has been blessed with hardworking people and natural resources, lags behind other regions is that we have not been able to resolve our bilateral disputes,” he stressed, while congratulating Begum Zia on her country’s assuming the leadership of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc).
In this context, the president referred to Pakistan-India relations and said the peace process and rapprochement between the two major Saarc members had opened up a great opportunity for lasting peace and development.
“The two countries should not miss this fleeting moment in the wake of understanding between the leadership and the environment of mutual cooperation in the post-quake scenario and adopt a bold and sincere approach to resolve the protracted Kashmir dispute.”
Gen Musharraf said it was the Kashmir dispute which had hindered the development of the region and added that his proposals of demilitarization and self-governance offered a way forward for a solution acceptable to all three parties - Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri people.
The president said Pakistan remained steadfast in its commitment to combating terrorism and assured the Bangladeshi leader of Islamabad’s support in fighting the scourge.
He condemned recent bombings in the Bangladeshi cities.
Begum Zia agreed with the president that peace and development were inter-linked and all Saarc members should fulfil their duty towards the objective of collective wellbeing.—APP
Qudssia Akhlaque adds: The 30-minute one-to-one meeting ended with a joint resolve to fortify the existing excellent ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
An official statement issued after the meeting said the two leaders had discussed bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest.
“It was decided to increase cooperation interalia in the technical, trade, education, training and agriculture fields,” it added.
The president expressed the hope that under her leadership Saarc would turn into a dynamic and vibrant organisation, ushering in peace and prosperity for the people of the region. Gen Musharraf thanked Begum Zia for the prompt and generous support provided by Bangladesh in the wake of the earthquake.
The Bangladeshi premier was appreciative of Pakistan’s relief and rehabilitation operation.
The Bangladeshi leader left on Tuesday night at the end of her three-day official visit.
