DOCUMENT No. 6 

Opening Remarks by the President Musharraf at a Meeting
with the Srilankan Press August 1, 2002

At the outset, I would like to thank the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation, as well as, for the excellent arrangements made for our visit.

The friendly relations between our two countries are based on shared perceptions and aspirations as well as a mutuality of interests. Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Sri Lanka. We share common goals of building prosperous and tolerant societies in our respective countries. We also want our countries to be peaceful and stable. Our two countries have been victims of terrorism. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We are determined to root out this menace from our society.

Strong ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are in the interest of peace and security in South Asia. Yesterday I had an in depth exchange of views with Her Excellency, the President of Sri Lanka. We discussed bilateral relations, the regional security situation and other issues of common interest in a most cordial atmosphere.

The current tension between India and Pakistan and the need to resolve all problems, particularly the Kashmir dispute through negotiations, also figured in our talks. We explored ways and means to further strengthen Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations, especially in the area of trade and commerce.

I also had a meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and will be having detailed talks with him in a little while today. We hope to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism and archaeology; an exchange programme on culture, science and technology; as well as a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA should help boost our trade relations in a significant manner. It is an important step in the growth of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations.

Private sector is the real engine of economic growth and promotion of trade. I hope that entrepreneurs from both the countries would play their rightful role in adding further economic substance to our close and friendly relations. Peace, security and stability are essential ingredients for economic growth and development. I sincerely hope that these will enable the Government and people of Sri Lanka to devote their undivided attention to socio-economic development.

We, on our part will support the sovereignty process initiated by your Government. We sincerely hope that this process would culminate in a durable peace, which meets the aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka. Regrettably, the Kashmir dispute continues to remain a source of tension and conflict between Pakistan and India.

In the past, several months tension along our eastern borders and the Line of Control had reached a dangerous level, stirring fears not only in South Asia but also around the world over the real possibility of a conflict. The tension has somewhat reduced, but a lot more needs to be done.

I would like to reiterate that we do not want war nor do we want to live in a perpetual state of tension. We have exercised maximum restraint. I have always advocated the path of peace and dialogue to resolve problems.

I remain committed to resolving all our problems through dialogue on the basis of justice and fair play. The Kashmir dispute needs to be settled on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We would continue our efforts to engage our neighbour in a meaningful dialogue.

Like Sri Lanka, we are engaged in improving our economy through reform and revitalization. I am proud to say that we have achieved a significant measure of success in our efforts.

In order to improve governance, a number of reforms have been undertaken at all levels with the objective of increasing people’s stake in decision-making. Local bodies elections and devolution of powers were major steps in this direction. Elections to our National Parliament and the four provincial legislatures will be held on 10th October.

I will be leaving Sri Lanka today, with fond memories of this short but fruitful visit. I am confident that my visit will contribute to the further strengthening of relations with Sri Lanka.

http://www.pak.gov.pk/public/visits/press_srilanka.htm