Sri Lankan President hails thaw in Indo-Pak relations  

[January 6, 2004 - 3.45 GMT] 

President Chandrika Kumaratunga in an inaugural address at the 12th SAARC summit, welcomed the vision and courage demonstrated recently by the leaders of India and Pakistan in their efforts to resolve bilateral issues, with a renewed sense of purpose and vigour.

In a speech highly praised by the media President Kumaratunga said that Sri Lanka was particularly please that this summit would see the signing of the Framework Treaty of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).

“This indeed a historic step for regional economic cooperation,” said President Kumaratunga.

The Sri Lankan President further applauded India’s call for a “common currency” for all the member states of SAARC.

“I am certain SAARC members will not hesitate to applaud this clarion call from the Government of India. Let us then, resolve to move forward without further delay along the path of our chosen collective objectives,” President Kumaratunga said.

[Full text of the speech]

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Last Updated Date: January 06, 2004  -3.45 GMT.