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Date: 02/05/2009
LIBYA-PAKISTAN JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
On the cordial invitation extended by Brother, His Excellency Muammar Al-Qaddafi Leader of the Great Al-Fatah Revolution, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari paid a State visit to the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from 30 th April to 2 nd May, 2009 . He was accompanied by his daughter Ms. Asifa Bhutto Zardari and a high powered delegation.
2. During the visit, Leader of the Great Al-Fatah Revolution and the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan held official talks characterized by a spirit of brotherhood and affection. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues and agreed to promote further comprehensive and multidimensional partnership. They expressed complete satisfaction over identity of views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. They reaffirmed the need for continuation of consultation, coordination and cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly peoples and countries.
3. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan conveyed felicitations on behalf of the people of Pakistan and on his own behalf on the selection of the Brother Leader as Chairman of the African Union.
4. In the interest of the brotherly peoples of the two countries both sides agreed to attach special importance to their cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and in this context agreed to establish mechanism for financial and banking sector cooperation including setting up of a Pak-Libya bank in both the countries. It was agreed to re-energize the Pak-Libya Holding Company through establishing a Joint Investment Company and forming various subsidiaries in the oil and gas, agriculture, banking and finance and infrastructure projects. It was also decided to collaborate in building gas pipelines and oil refineries. It was also decided to finalize the agreements on protection of investments and the avoidance of double taxation between the two countries. The Pak-Libya Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) will be held in Islamabad later this year.
5. Both sides attached great importance to establishing frameworks of cooperation in the fields of energy and minerals. The framework agreements will be finalized shortly.
6. It was also agreed in principle to establish a Pak-Libya Joint Company for investment in the field of energy and to take practical steps for enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation in oil and gas sectors.
7. Both sides agreed that there was considerable potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the agriculture sector including agro-based industry. The two sides agreed to share expertise and undertake investment in building water reservoirs, dams and undertaking joint projects for integrated agriculture projects to ensure food security in both the countries.
8. It was also agreed to collaborate closely in infrastructure development projects; establish public private partnership and facilitate joint ventures between their respective small, medium and large enterprises.
9. Both sides agreed to mandate their respective Commerce Ministries to initiate a joint study on comprehensive economic partnership including prospects for establishing preferential tariff arrangements leading to Free Trade Agreement.
10. Realizing the importance of promoting people to people contacts it was agree to establish direct air links between the two countries.
11. The two sides renew their commitment to principle of UN charter and to intensify their consultation and cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern at various international forums. They underscored the importance of respect for sovereignty, political independence unity and territorial integrity of states and the principles of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. The Libyan Leader expressed his full support to the efforts of Government of Pakistan to promote regional peace and stability.
12. Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and underscored the need to eliminate the root causes of this menace.
13. The two sides expressed their complete rejection for efforts aimed at linking legitimate struggle of people for liberation, independence and self-determination with terrorism. They reaffirmed their denunciation for efforts to link Islam and Muslims with terrorism which has no nationality, religion and norms.
14. The two Leaders reiterated the need for resolving the conflicts and disputes through peaceful means and upholding the fundamental rights including the right of self-determination of the people subjected to colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation. The Leaders underscored the need for peaceful, just and durable solution to the long festering issue of Jammu and Kashmir according to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people in accordance with the UN resolutions.
15. The two nations express their grave concern at grave tense situation witnessed by the Middle East region due to repeated violations of the UN resolutions and continuous aggressions against the Palestinian people. The two sides call for respecting the Security Council Resolutions requiring withdrawal of the Israeli forces from entire occupied lands, enabling the Palestinian people to realize self-determination and restitution of their legitimate rights.
16. The Pakistan side expressed its deep appreciation for the efforts of the Leader of the great Al-Fatah Revolution for the progress and prosperity of the people of the Great Jamahiriya and applauded his pioneer role in strengthening the foundations for the reconciliation, peace and stability in Africa and the world. It commended his initiatives in establishing the African Union and the efforts made for saving the African continent from the dangers of wars and conflicts.
17. The Libyan sides appreciated the role that the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is playing for taking his country towards progress and prosperity.
18. The Pakistani side expressed its gratitude for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to His Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and his delegation during its stay at the Great Jamahiriya.
19. During the visit following agreement and MoUs were signed:
• Extradition Agreement
• MoU in the Field of Higher Education
• MoU in the Field of Culture and Information
• MoU in the Field of Employment
• MoU in the Field of Human Resource Development
• MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations
• MoU on Abolition of visa for diplomatic and official passport holders
20 With a view to strengthening cooperative and friendly relations between the two countries and to continue the dialogue and consultations between the two leaders, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan renewed his invitation to the Leader of the Great Al-Fatah Revolution to visit Pakistan which was accepted. The time and date for the visit will be arranged through diplomatic channels.
Libya ( Tripoli )
2 May 2009
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