Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs’ comments on his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister in Bishkek

(2013-09-13)

Replying to a TV reporter in Bishkek about his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister, the Adviser replied:
“I had a very useful meeting last evening with Mr. Salman Khursheed in a frank and cordial atmosphere.
We both agreed that it was important to respect the 2003 Ceasefire agreement in order to reduce tensions and for this purpose, we agreed that the existing mechanism shall be used more effectively. We have two mechanisms at present. The two D.G (MOs) talk regularly every Tuesday and we have a Joint Working Group on Cross LoC CBMs at level of Joint Secretaries or D.G of Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
I conveyed our concern and disappointment that the momentum which the two Prime Ministers had created for the peace process and the composite dialogue, soon after the new government took over in Pakistan in June this year has been arrested by the unfortunate incident of 6 August.
I also emphasized that the objective of establishing durable peace in South Asia is of such paramount importance that it should not be held hostage to electoral politics or the process allowed to be derailed by a single incident.
Considering the likelihood of a meeting between the two Prime Ministers we agreed to use diplomatic channels to finalize the agenda for such a meeting keeping in view the progress made so far in various working groups and in back channel contacts.”

Islamabad
13 September 2013

238/2013