DOCUMENT No.27
 

Pakistan, Maldives to Boost Economic Ties
 

MALE: Pakistan and the Maldives on Monday agreed to boost trade, tourism, cultural and people-to-people contacts for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The talks between Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, held at Dharubaarug Convention Centre, took into account the close and cordial ties existing between the two countries.

Both the sides were of the view that there was a wide scope for enhanced cooperation in many areas. The two leaders underscored the need for regular exchange of visits at different levels to take their cordial ties to new heights.

Shaukat offered to extend credit facility, scholarships, collaboration in scientific and technological fields and training of civil servants, defence and security personnel to the Maldives.

Shaukat, who is here on a two-day official visit in his capacity as the Saarc chairman, also discussed matters related to the seven-country regional organisation. They reviewed the progress on implementation of decisions taken at the last Saarc Summit in Islamabad in January and exchanged views for preparation of a meaningful agenda for the next moot in Dhaka.

Shaukat briefed Maumoon on the ongoing composite dialogue process with India and said Islamabad sincerely believed in the resolution of all disputes with New Delhi, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan is sincere in its desire to resolve all outstanding problems with India in a peaceful manner.

The president of the Maldives was appreciative of the initiatives taken by Pakistan to normalise relations with India and for a peaceful settlement of disputes. He praised the dialogue process between Pakistan and India and said that Jammu and Kashmir issue should be resolved on the principle of self-determination.

Shaukat briefed his host about the pace of implementation of various decisions taken by the Saarc leaders, during the Islamabad summit. Maumoon expressed his country’s support for the dialogue process and hoped that resolution of problems between Pakistan and India would not only be beneficial for the two countries but also have salutary impact on the progress and development of the entire region.

The talks were followed by signing of a Protocol on Bilateral Consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs of the two countries. Shaukat and Maumoon witnessed the ceremony. Later, speaking at a banquet, hosted in his honour by Maumoon, Shaukat said his visit to the Maldives would also renew the bonds of friendship and cooperation with Pakistan.

"We enjoy excellent political relations and are desirous of further strengthening economic, commercial and cultural ties," the prime minister said, adding that Pakistan valued highly the fraternal ties with the Maldives, which had been reinforced by shared faith, geography and a sense of common destiny.

Shaukat was grateful to the Maldives for its cooperation, support and efforts to re-invigorate regional cooperation under the Saarc. He said the Islamabad summit pursued new horizons for regional cooperation and a notable accomplishment was the Framework Agreement to establish a South Asia Free-Trade Area.

The prime minister said the Social Charter set new markers for uplifting the living standards of the peoples, adding: "we also renewed our resolve to combat terrorism across the region."

He said under Pakistan’s chairmanship, the Saarc was able to get observer status at the United Nations. However, Shaukat stressed the challenge was to implement the decisions taken at the Islamabad summit. He said Pakistan was hosting important meetings of the regional grouping to prepare fresh instruments for enhancing economic cooperation. This, he hoped, would be finalised and adopted by the next Saarc summit.

He said Pakistan supports the unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of the Maldives and its efforts to promote peace and stability for its economic development. He assured that Pakistan would always be a reliable friend and partner for the Maldives and vowed to broaden and deepen the areas of cooperation.

Separately, Shaukat visited the People’s Majlis, the parliament building of the Maldives, gifted by the government and people of Pakistan. He was received by Majlis Speaker Ahmad Zahir, who took him around different sections of the building. The prime minister described the building as "a great symbol of Pakistan-Maldives friendship".

Renowned Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada had designed the building, which reflects rich Muslim architecture. Recording his impressions in the visitors’ book, the prime minister said: "The building serves as an icon of close relations between the two countries." He appreciated good maintenance of the building and went round the main hall, committee rooms and other sections. Shaukat arrived here from Colombo. He will travel to India on Tuesday.
23 November 2004

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