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PR. No.232/2008

Date: 30/07/2008    

ARRIVAL STATEMENT BY H.E. MAKHDOOM SHAH MAHMOOD QURESHI, FOREIGN MINISTER OF PAKISTAN

It is a pleasure to be in Colombo . Pakistan and Sri Lanka have traditionally enjoyed close friendly relations which are based on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's state. Our cooperation at international fora is mutually beneficial.

2. During my stay in Colombo , I shall participate in the meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers. The Council will review the progress on the implementation of the decisions taken by the 14th SAARC Summit held in New Delhi in April 2007, and give further direction to SAARC on various issues of common interest including food security, energy cooperation, environment & climate change etc.

3. Besides, I look forward to hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Bogollagama. I also intend to hold meetings with other participating Ministers from SAARC member and observer states.

4. Prime Minister Syed Yosuf Raza Gillani, who will lead Pakistan 's delegation at the 15th SAARC Summit, is keen to see a fruitful conclusion to the Summit . He would also hold talks with other SAARC leaders on matters of bilateral interest on the sidelines of the Summit . We want the Summit to contribute towards strengthening SAARC besides promoting peace, development and prosperity in South Asia .

5. During the Summit , I will sign on behalf of Pakistan , a number of SAARC documents, which have earlier been finalized by experts of the SAARC member countries.

Islamabad

30 July 2008