02-23-2006, 06:16 AM
Khaleda meets Musharraf:
End of Conflicts Must for Peace in South Asia
'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf Tuesday said South Asia must overcome its political conflicts to pave the way for long-cherished progress and prosperity of one fifth of humanity living in the region.
He was speaking to visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at a meeting here at the Aiwan-e-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 Khalida Zia on Bangladesh's assuming the leadership of SAARC.
In this context, the President particularly referred to Pakistan-India relations and said the peace process and rapprochement between the two major SAARC members has 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."
Kashmir Dispute
Continuing, the President said it is the Kashmir dispute, which has hindered the development of the region and added that his proposals of demilitarization and self-governance offer is a way forward for a solution acceptable to all three parties - Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri people.
The two leaders also discussed economic cooperation and political ties and agreed that the enhanced cooperation in various fields will be mutually beneficial.
President Musharraf said Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to combating terrorism and assured the Bangladeshi leader of the country's support in fighting the scourge.
He also condemned recent bombings in the Bangladeshi cities.
President Musharraf and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia also discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, industry and agriculture.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
Expression of Solidarity
The President thanked the visiting leader for Bangladesh's expression of solidarity and its assistance in the wake of last October's devastating earthquake.
The two leaders, who had also met on the margins of OIC Extraordinary Summit at Makkah in December last year, vowed to make the organization an effective vehicle for socio-economic emancipation of the Muslim world.
The Bangladeshi leader thanked the President for Pakistan's support to her country at regional and international fora.
Dhaka, she said, would endeavour to promote regional cooperation in its capacity as chairperson of the South Asian Association for regional Cooperation.
She agreed with the President that peace and development are inter-linked and all members should fulfill their duty towards the objective of collective well being.
President Musharraf said Pakistan supports Bangladesh's commitment to promoting cooperation within SAARC framework.
Later, the President hosted a luncheon for the visiting leader, which was also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly, Cabinet members and services chiefs. â¢
End of Conflicts Must for Peace in South Asia
'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf Tuesday said South Asia must overcome its political conflicts to pave the way for long-cherished progress and prosperity of one fifth of humanity living in the region.
He was speaking to visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at a meeting here at the Aiwan-e-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 Khalida Zia on Bangladesh's assuming the leadership of SAARC.
In this context, the President particularly referred to Pakistan-India relations and said the peace process and rapprochement between the two major SAARC members has 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."
Kashmir Dispute
Continuing, the President said it is the Kashmir dispute, which has hindered the development of the region and added that his proposals of demilitarization and self-governance offer is a way forward for a solution acceptable to all three parties - Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri people.
The two leaders also discussed economic cooperation and political ties and agreed that the enhanced cooperation in various fields will be mutually beneficial.
President Musharraf said Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to combating terrorism and assured the Bangladeshi leader of the country's support in fighting the scourge.
He also condemned recent bombings in the Bangladeshi cities.
President Musharraf and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia also discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, industry and agriculture.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
Expression of Solidarity
The President thanked the visiting leader for Bangladesh's expression of solidarity and its assistance in the wake of last October's devastating earthquake.
The two leaders, who had also met on the margins of OIC Extraordinary Summit at Makkah in December last year, vowed to make the organization an effective vehicle for socio-economic emancipation of the Muslim world.
The Bangladeshi leader thanked the President for Pakistan's support to her country at regional and international fora.
Dhaka, she said, would endeavour to promote regional cooperation in its capacity as chairperson of the South Asian Association for regional Cooperation.
She agreed with the President that peace and development are inter-linked and all members should fulfill their duty towards the objective of collective well being.
President Musharraf said Pakistan supports Bangladesh's commitment to promoting cooperation within SAARC framework.
Later, the President hosted a luncheon for the visiting leader, which was also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly, Cabinet members and services chiefs. â¢