By NNN-APP,
New Delhi : Leaders of Pakistan and India, vowing to work for an “early and full” normalisation of relations between the two countries, have agreed to open trade across four points, including two along the Line of Control in Kashmir, as part of efforts to strengthen trade, commerce and bilateral ties.
“Both leaders agreed that the forces that have tried to derail the peace process must be defeated,” a joint statement issued after a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday, noting the strain peace process in recent months.
“This would allow the continuation and deepening of a constructive dialogue for the peaceful resolution and satisfactory settlement of all bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir,” said the statement on the hour-long session held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
“They agreed that violence, hostility and terrorism have no place in the vision they share of the bilateral relationship, and must be visibly and verifiably prevented,” it said, adding: “Severe action would be taken against any elements directing or involved in terrorist acts.”
The two leaders welcomed the “several positive outcomes of the four rounds of the Composite Dialogue, which have brought their people, businesses and institutions closer.”
They agreed on the opening of the Wagah-Attari road link and Khokrapar-Munabao rail route to all permissible items of trade. They also decided to commence cross-LoC trade on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot roads on October 21, and to discuss the modalities for opening of Skardu-Kargil route soon.
The meeting between the two leaders called for consolidating the gains made through sustained efforts to resolve all outstanding issues.
“They agreed to work for an early and full normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan, on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and non-interference,” the two-page statement said.
Pakistan and India also agreed that their Foreign Secretaries will schedule meetings of the Fifth round of the Composite Dialogue in next three months to focus on “deliverables and concrete achievements”.
They also agreed to stabilise the ceasefire and that the Director Generals Military Operations and Sector Commanders will stay in regular contact.
The two sides also agreed for holding a special meeting of the Joint Anti-Terror Mechanism in October to address mutual concerns including the bombing of the Indian Embassy in Kabul.
Prime Minister Singh congratulated President Zardari on his election and the victory of democracy in Pakistan.
He expressed the hope that this would pave the way for a profound transformation of the bilateral relationship, so that India and Pakistan could work together on their shared objectives of peace, prosperity and security.
The two leaders also agreed on expansion of people to people contacts, trade, commerce and economic cooperation as it provides an effective platform to develop and strengthen bilateral relations.
They also agreed to continue interaction between the Planning Commissions of both countries to develop mutually beneficial cooperation including the energy sector.