Gilani to meet Manmohan in Maldives on 11th

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will meet his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of 17th Saarc Summit in Maldives on November 11.

The Prime Minister will lead Pakistan’s delegation at the Saarc summit, which is being held from November 10 to 11, 2011 under the theme of ‘Building Bridges’, an enhanced focus on increasing transportation and communication links, promoting regional trade and investment; and freer movement of people to facilitate cultural exchanges.

Sources told Business Recorder that the schedule of the meeting of the two premiers has been finalised between Foreign Office of Pakistan and Indian External Affairs Ministry.

According to the schedule, Gilani will meet Dr Singh on November 11, where the two leaders would discuss normalisation of trade between the two countries and granting most favoured nation (MFN) status to India, besides discussing other issues of mutual interest and the resumed dialogue process between the two countries.

Sources said that the two leaders would particularly exchange views on MFN status being granted to India. According to Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua, the Cabinet has authorised Ministry of Commerce to pursue normalisation of trade with India during the forthcoming Commerce Secretary level talks between the two countries, which would culminate in the observance of MFN principle in its true spirit.

Commenting on reports pertaining to controversy over the MFN status to India, the spokesperson rejected the impression of backtracking on the move. She said that the two countries had agreed that their bilateral relationship was critical for economic development of the region and for development and prosperity of both Pakistan and India.

The meeting in Maldives would be the second interaction this year between Prime Minister Gilani with his Indian counterpart, following their meeting in Mohali on the eve of Pakistan-India cricket World Cup semi-final. Gilani is also likely to meet heads of various Saarc nations on the sidelines of the summit.