President seeks SAARC’s strategy against terror
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—President Pervez Musharraf has urged South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to intensify cooperation among them for the elimination of terrorism and extremism. SAARC countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan and Pakistan would have to devise joint strategy to overcome the challenges being faced by the region, he said this while talking to Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Rohitha Bogollagama here in Awan-e-Saddar on Thursday.
During the meeting, various issues of national interest, war against terrorism, overall situation of region, international and national affairs were discussed, sources told Online. Terrorism is a prime challenge being faced by the world, he said, adding that, economic stability is not possible without its elimination. The President underlined need of close cooperation in different fields between Pakistan and Sri Lanka by saying that free trade agreement would play key role in this respect. President Pervez Musharraf told Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka that the upcoming general elections would be held in fair, free and transparent manner in the country while the arrangements in this respect have been finalized. The international observers can review the elections due on February 18 and large numbers of observers are coming to Pakistan, he pointed out.
Expressing thanks to President Pervez Musharraf, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Rohitha Bogollagama said the economic and trade cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are enhancing while both countries are collaboration in war against terrorism.
President Pervez Musharraf Thursday said the Commonwealth should realistically appreciate the steps taken by Pakistan for consolidation of democracy in the country. Talking to Foreign Minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Rohitha Bogollagama at his Camp Office in Rawalpindi, President Pervez Musharraf appreciated the principled position adopted by the Sri Lankan government at the Commonwealth.
He expressed the hope that Commonwealth would adopt a more realistic appreciation of the steps taken by Pakistan for the consolidation of democracy in the country, a foreign office press release said. The President emphasized the need to further strengthen the close friendly relations existing between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister conveyed to the President the good wishes of the President of Sri Lanka. He also briefed the President on the latest development in Sri Lanka. Bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest were also discussed.
President Musharraf expressed support for the efforts of the government of Sri Lanka in its fight against terrorism and to preserve its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The President also apprised the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister about the efforts being made by Pakistan to combat the menace of terrorism and extremism. Foreign Minister ul Haque was present during the meeting.