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'SAARC successes must be consolidated'
COLOMBO. Jan 25: Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia here today called for further strengthening amity and cooperation among the South Asian nations to achieve overall welfare of,the-people's hi the region, reports UNB.
"Peace, prosperity and development can only be ensured through mutual understanding and trust." the Prime Minister
honour bv Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumarshinga
Hegum Zia. who Is the current SAARC chairperson, said that Shatoed President Ztaur Rahman dreamt of n peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia, and wanted to materialise hie dream through the SAARC
"Regional cooperation has assumed a great importance tn
present day world economy." she said.
On various regional economic blocs, working through mutual cooperation for their benefits. Begum Zia said that the SAARC was trying to estab Hah relations with them.
The successes 'achieved so tar by the regional fArum must be consolidated, the SAARC chairperson said and called -far prapaitajL j^ounda few new Initiatives' before Its next sumniiL
She sought advice of Srl Lanka to continue the activities of the seven-nation forum.
Referring to I he Seventh. SAARC Summit held. In Dhaka. Begum Zia said It had taken vital decisions to alleviate pm-rriy and expand trade bn the region
She parbi ularly mentioned the South Asi.in Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAITA) and stressed the need for a collective effort for Its Jmple mentation.
Bangladesh and Srl Lanka could play a pioneering role in this respect, the SAARC chair person sakl
She hoped that the two countries Inspfred by the SAARC spirit, would work together to Improve qualitative changes in standard of living of the masses in ihe region where one fifth of the world s total population live
Focusing on bilateral relation between Dhaka and Colombo, Begum Zia said: "Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are brand with strong ties of eommou heritage and cufture.
The two KHintrlea are committed to the principles of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth and the SAARC.
She mentioned that the two countries had been working together In bilateral and International fora for building a hunger-free world
Referring to Bangladesh's effort to Improve relations with the countries In the regton. the Prime Minister said: "Respect for sovereignty and territorial Integrity of the states, mutual cooperation and non-Interference In each others internal affairs are basic principles of our inter-state erlattoiis
She mentioned an excellent political relation' between Ilie two countries and underscored the need for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperations and im piementatlon of decisions of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC).
Begum Zia tn her speech drew the attention ol Ihe Lankan President lo ihe ad verse effect on Bangladesh's 'socio-economic condition, caused by the unilateral withdrawal of the water of the Ganges at Farakka and Its up per reaches.
"We are trying lo reach a negotiated settlement with India by ensuring a fair and equitable sharing of the Ganges and of other common rivets. We Attach Importance to the support of a friendly country like Sri Lanka In this vita) matter." she said
Earlier. Begum Zia (lew in here this afternoon to a red carpet reception beginning a two-day official visit to Srl Lanka at the Invitation of President Chandrika Bandar-naike Kumaratunga.
On arrival at the Katunayake International Airport, the SAARC chairperson was received at the gangway by Srl Lankan Foreign Minister Lak shman Kadirgamar and Minister for Transport. Environment and Women's Affairs Srimanl Atfuladmusall
After signing the Golden Book — the .visitors' book for the dignitaries — at the Katunayake airport, the’Prime Minister and her entourage left by helicopter for Colombo.
Srl Lankan President Chandrika Kuqiaratunga formally received the Bangladesh Prime Minister ' At the Presidential Secretariat In Colombo
Begum Zia was then escorted by the Sri Lankan Air Force Chief to the saluting dais from where she took salute from a smartly turned out contingent as the national anthem of the two countries were played. She was given a ceremonial guard of honour and a 19-gun salute.