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India-Pakistan Joint Statement

A joint India-Pakistan statement was released after the respective Foreign Ministers of the two countries, Natwar Singh and Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, met in New Delhi on September 5 and 6, 2004, to review status of the Composite Dialogue. Following is the full text of the statement:


08/09/2004

External Affairs Minister of India, H.E. Shri. K. Natwar Singh and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Khurshid M. Kasuri, met in New Delhi on September 5 and 6, 2004 to review status of the Composite Dialogue. Their meeting was preceded by a meeting between the Foreign Secretary of India Shri Shyam Saran and Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Mr. Riaz H. Khokhar on September 4, 2004. The talks were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere.

2. They reiterated their commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and their determination to implement the Simla Agreement in letter and spirit.

3. The Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction at the progress made so far, and positively assessed the developments in bilateral relations over the past year.

4. Recalling the reassurance contained in the Joint Press Statement of January 6, 2004, they exchanged views on carrying the process forward in an atmosphere free from terrorism and violence.

5. The Ministers held detailed and substantive discussions and reiterated the confidence that the Composite Dialogue will lead to peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, to the satisfaction of both sides. They agreed to continue with the serious and sustained dialogue to find a peaceful negotiated final settlement. They expressed their determination to take the process forward.

6. The wide ranging proposals on confidence building, promotion of friendly exchanges, and enhancing trade and economic cooperation, made by both the sides, were examined and it was agreed that these would be discussed further.

7. The Ministers agreed on the following:

(a) Expert level meetings on Conventional and Nuclear CBMs, inter alia, to discuss the draft agreement on advance notification of missile tests;

(b) Meeting between railway authorities on the Munnabao - Khokhrapar rail link;

(c) Biannual meeting between Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers in October 2004;

(d) Meeting between Narcotics Control Authorities, including for finalisation of an MOU in October/ November 2004;

(e) Meeting between the Indian Coast Guards and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency in November 2004 to, inter alia, discuss the Memorandum of Understanding for establishing communication link between them;

(f) Establishment of Committee of Experts to consider issues related to trade;

(g) On Siachen, the outcome of the August 2004 meeting of Defence Secretaries would be implemented;

(h) Joint Survey of the boundary pillars in the horizontal segment (blue dotted line) of the international boundary in the Sir Creek area;

(i) Meeting on all issues related to commencement of a bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad;

(j) Add a new category of Tourist Visa in the visa regime between the two countries, and to promote group tourism;

(k) Set up a mechanism to deal with the issue of civilian prisoners and fishermen, effectively and speedily;

(l) Further measures for facilitation of visits to religious shrines, and upkeep of historical sites;

(m) Enhanced interaction and exchanges among the respective Foreign Offices, including study tours of young diplomats/probationers to each other’s country.

9. They recognized the importance of availability and access to energy resources in the region around South Asia. The Ministers of Petroleum/ Gas could meet to discuss the issue in its multifarious dimensions.

10. The Foreign Minister of Pakistan met the National Security Adviser, Mr. J.N. Dixit, and also called on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, during his stay in India.

11. The two sides agreed to the continuation of high level meetings and visits, including :

(a) a meeting between President Musharraf and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New York on the margins of UNGA later in September 2004;

(b) a visit by Pakistan’s Prime Minister to India as Chairperson of SAARC;

(c) a meeting between the Prime Minister of India and Pakistan’s Prime Minister in Dhaka, in January 2005, on the margins of the SAARC Summit.

12. It was also agreed that the two Foreign Secretaries would meet in December 2004 to discuss overall progress, as well as subjects of Peace and Security including CBMs, and Jammu and Kashmir, in the Composite Dialogue. They would also work out the schedule of meetings on the other six subjects, i.e. Siachen; Wullar Barrage/ Tulbul Navigation Project; Sir Creek; Terrorism and Drug Trafficking; Economic and Commercial Cooperation; and Promotion of Friendly Exchanges in Various Fields, under the Composite Dialogue.

13. The Foreign Minister of Pakistan invited the External Affairs Minister of India to visit Pakistan. The invitation was accepted and the dates would be worked out through diplomatic channels.

New Delhi
September 8, 2004

Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.

 

 

 

 

 
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