By NNN-APP,
Thimphu, Bhutan : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Wednesday called for a joint strategy to face common challenges of energy shortage, water scarcity and management, environment and security issues facing the South Asian countries.
The Prime Minister was talking with President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed whom he met here on the sidelines of 16th SAARC Summit.
The Prime Minister congratulated the President of Maldives on his election and restoration of constitutional democracy in the country.
He expressed the hope that under the new leadership his country will make concerted efforts to reinvigorate bilateral ties particularly in trade, economic, defence and social sectors.
Prime Minister Gilani recalled that Pakistan had contributed towards democracy in Maldives by funding the parliamentary complex in Male.
He said Pakistan despite its own economical difficulties has been and will continue to assist Maldives development especially in the health and human resources development.
He said Pakistan has also identified projects worth Rs. 9.8 million for Maldives and had offered 30 training slots for its armed and security persons during 2009-1020.
The Prime Minister urged the Maldivian government to expedite signing of bilateral counter terrorism agreement pending since last year.
He also urged early signing of MoU on narcotic control. He said it would pave the way for promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.
He also called for early convening of Joint Economic Commission meeting for promoting trade and economic ties.
The Prime Minister apprised the President of Maldives about the SAARC Interior Ministers’ meeting in Islamabad next month which will provide an opportunity to SAARC member states collectively and Pakistan and Maldives bilaterally to strengthen the cooperation in intelligence sharing and other related areas.
The President t of Maldives while reciprocating the feelings expressed by the Prime Minister lauded the dominant role politics was playing in addressing the issues in Pakistan and for sincerely confronting the challenges of security.
He sought Pakistan’s support on the environmental issues emanating from climate change phenomenon of which Maldives was a major victim being a country that was only around 1.5 meters above sea level.
He said bilateral issues and tensions among the SAARC countries should not be allowed to hold SAARC hostage and allow it to move on issues of common concern besides making progress on trade and economic issues.