Date:03/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040303431300.htm

International

Sri Lanka and Pakistan agree to combat terrorism

B. Muralidhar Reddy

Mahinda Rajapakse in Islamabad Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka

Mahinda Rajapakse

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have expressed their resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations for the preservation of shared values and principles and in the interest of peace and progress of their societies.

A joint statement issued here on Saturday on the occasion of the three-day visit of Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapakse, said in the course of the interaction between the two sides the leaders agreed that combating terrorism is the great challenge of our times. "Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been victims of terrorism," the statement said.

Much to the surprise of observers here, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz received the visiting dignitary at the military airport in Chaklala on Friday. On Sunday, the Sri Lankan President would be addressing a forum of Pakistan and Sri Lankan business leaders in Karachi.

The visit of Mr. Rajapakse is considered of high symbolic value though in substantive terms only three minor pacts were signed on the occasion. His wife, seven Ministers and two Deputy Ministers accompanied him.

During his stay here, Mr. Rajapakse called on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and held official talks at the Presidential Palace. He also met the Prime Minister.

The statement said the two sides exchanged views on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues and reaffirmed their commitment to promotion of peace, stability, economic development and social progress and agreed to intensify cooperation and consultations on bilateral, regional and global issues by maintaining regular high level contacts.

"Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka and for the ongoing peace process in the country. The two sides agreed to make every effort to further strengthen their multifaceted and multi-sector cooperation in education, culture, commerce & trade, science & technology, defence and tourism for the common benefit of the two countries, based on the tradition of friendly relations which has always existed between them," it said.

The Pakistan side briefed Mr. Rajapakse about the ongoing Composite Dialogue with India aimed at resolving all outstanding issues. The Sri Lankan President shared his assessment of the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have already concluded a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that covers Trade in Goods as well as Trade in Services. SAFTA ratification

The two sides agreed to further strengthen SAARC and expressed satisfaction on the ratification of South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) by all member states. They shared the view that this development would augur well for the social and economic amelioration of the peoples in the region.

Gen. Musharraf and Mr. Aziz have accepted the invitation extended by Mr. Rajapakse to visit Sri Lanka at mutually convenient dates.