OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN MR. SHAUKAT AZIZ TO SINGAPORE, 10 -12 MAY 2005:PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE PRESS STATEMENT, 11 MAY 2005

JOINT STATEMENT

 

 

  1. His Excellency Mr. Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan paid an official visit to Republic of Singapore at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore.  Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was accompanied by a high level delegation which included several Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and senior officials.  The delegation also included senior representatives of trade and industry and media from Pakistan. 

 

  1. The Prime Minister and his delegation were accorded a warm welcome in Singapore, which reflected historically close political and economic ties between the two countries.

 

  1. Prime Minister and Mrs.Shaukat Aziz paid a courtesy call on the President of Singapore, S.R.Nathan and Mrs Nathan.

 

  1. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz accompanied by senior members of his delegation held talks with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and other senior officials of the Government of Singapore.

 

  1. The talks, held in an atmosphere of cordiality and friendship, were characteristic of the friendly relations, common perception and similarity of views between the two sides.

 

  1. The official talks between the two leaders covered the entire range of bi-lateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.  The two sides expressed their determination to further strengthen bilateral relations by enhancing closer economic, commercial, cultural, scientific and technological relations.

 

  1. In this connection the Prime Minister of Pakistan reiterated Pakistan’s desire for obtaining full dialogue partner status in ASEAN. The Singapore side expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s interest and commitment and agreed to convey this to ASEAN members. 

 

  1. The two sides noted that there was a tremendous potential for the growth of economic relations between the two countries and decided to encourage the private sector in each country to exploit the opportunities available in the other.  In this connection the Prime Minister of Pakistan noted with satisfaction Temasek’s recent acquisition of shares in a private bank in Pakistan. 

 

  1. The two sides noted with satisfaction that negotiators from Pakistan and Singapore successfully concluded exploratory discussions on an FTA in Islamabad in February this year and plan to commence with the first full round of FTA negotiations in June.  The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to conclude a high standard FTA as soon as possible. 

 

  1. The two Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations charter and belief in the equality, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non interference in internal affairs and peaceful settlement of disputes as the fundamental principles of friendly relations amongst states. 

 

  1. The Prime Minister of Singapore noted with satisfaction the recent moves towards confidence building measures between Pakistan and India and expressed the hope that the two countries will be able to resolve all issues including the Kashmir dispute peacefully.

 

  1. The two sides discussed the need to foster regional cooperation in development and reiterated their commitment to promotion of dialogue and understanding under Asian Cooperation Dialogue and Asia-Middle East Dialogue.

 

  1. The two Prime Ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.  They reaffirmed their commitment to continue their cooperation in this regard . In this regard, Singapore expressed support for Pakistan’s proposal to sign a Joint Declaration on Cooperation in Combating Terrorism with ASEAN.  The signing of the Singapore-Pakistan Memorandum of Understanding on Combating Terrorism and other Transnational Crimes also reflects the commitment of both countries to work closely together to combat terrorism and transnational crime.

 

  1. The two countries decided to enhance the level of consultations between the political leadership and also amongst other sections of society. 

 

  1. The Prime Minister of Pakistan invited Prime Minister of Singapore to pay visit to Pakistan, which was gratefully accepted.

 

 

 

 

ISSUED BY                                                                     

PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

11 MAY 2005