Eritrea, Pakistan to enhance bilateral relations

ISLAMABAD, Feb 26, 2005 (AAP) — Pakistan and Eritrea agreed on the need of a comprehensive approach to combat terrorism, calling for firm measures to address the root causes of the menace.

In a joint communique issued at the end of the three-day visit by Eritrean President Isayas Afewerki, the two countries also condemned terrorism and expressed firm commitment in fighting international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They reaffirmed their intention to cooperate closely on the issue of terrorism at bilateral and international forums with single voice.

Pakistan called for the early settlement of Eritrea-Ethiopia boundary dispute in the light of the UNSC resolutions and Algiers Accord 2000, the statement said. Both the countries stressed the need to move towards a just and equitable global political and economic order based on the sovereign equality of all states, democratic values, supremacy of the UN Charter and international law.

Pakistan appreciated the role of United Nations peacekeeping mission between Eritrea and Ethiopia and expressed hope that the mission would continue its work until peace between the two countries is realized.

The two sides discussed in detail the proposed agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and protection of investment and hoped that these agreements would be finalized soon.

The Eritrean president was here at the invitation of President Gen Pervez Musharraf. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation which included ministers and senior officials.

During the detailed talks between the two presidents, held in a cordial atmosphere, views were exchanged on a range of important bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern. They reaffirmed their commitment to promote bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global peace and stability.

The two leaders also discussed in detail the situation in South Asia. Both sides expressed the hope that resumption of composite dialogue between Pakistan and India would resolve all outstanding issues between them.

It was decided that the two countries would consult each other both bilaterally as well as at international forums on all key issues, the statement said.

Pakistan and Eritrea stressed the importance of further intensifying mutually beneficial cooperation especially through close economic interaction and expansion of their bilateral trade and cooperation in the areas of education, health, irrigation, dam construction, agriculture and livestock development. It was also decided that chambers of commerce and trade would work for expected expansion of trade and economic interaction between the two countries.

Pakistan and Eritrea recognized the importance of developing contacts in the field of trade, education and health. “Pakistan highly values the visit of the president of Eritrea to Pakistan and deems it a major step in promoting bilateral cooperation in diverse spheres,” said the statement. Increased cooperation between the two countries would also contribute towards regional and global peace and security and the establishment of a just democratic and equitable world order.

The Eritrean president extended a cordial invitation to President Musharraf to visit Eritrea which was accepted with gratitude. The dates for the visit will be finalized through diplomatic channels.