Joint Press Statement,
India-Pakistan Foreign Secretary Talks November 14-15, 2006
(New Delhi; November 15, 2006)
The Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan met in
New Delhi on November 14-15, 2006. Shri Shivshankar Menon, Foreign Secretary of
India led the Indian delegation while the Pakistan delegation was led by Foreign
Secretary Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan. They reviewed the progress in the third round
of the Composite Dialogue encompassing talks on Peace and Security including
CBMs; Jammu and Kashmir; Siachen; Wullar Barrage/Tulbal Navigation Project; Sir
Creek; Terrorism and Drug Trafficking; Economic and Commercial Cooperation and
Promotion of Friendly Exchanges in Various Fields. The talks were held in a
friendly and positive atmosphere.
2. They exchanged views on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in the spirit of the
Havana Joint Press Statement to hold purposeful discussions and to build on
convergences and narrow down divergences. They agreed to fully implement
measures to enhance interaction and cooperation across the LoC including the
early operationalisation of truck service for trade on agreed items.
3. In pursuance of the Havana Joint Press Statement, they discussed terrorism
and the need to effectively deal with it. They agreed to set up a 3-member
anti-terror mechanism to be headed by Additional Secretary (International
Organizations) from the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Additional
Secretary (UN&EC) from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its mandate would
be to consider counter terrorism measures, including through the regular and
timely sharing of information.
4. The two Foreign Secretaries exchanged views on
Siachen.
5. Both sides also agreed to hold a meeting of experts on 22-23 December 2006 to
decide on the coordinates for joint survey of Sir Creek and adjoining areas,
without prejudice to each other’s position, as well as to simultaneously conduct
discussions on the Maritime Boundary. The joint survey shall be completed by
February 2007.
6. The agreement on “Reducing the Risk from Accidents relating to Nuclear
Weapons” was initialed by the two sides. They agreed on its early signing. They
expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the “Agreement on
Pre-Notification of the Flight Testing of Ballistic Missiles”.
7. They welcomed the inauguration on November 14 of the hotline between the
Pakistan Maritime Agency and the Indian Coast Guard.
8. On humanitarian grounds, all fishermen and prisoners of the other country,
whose national status stands confirmed and who have completed their sentences,
would be released by 25th December, 2006.
9. They reviewed the progress made towards the revision of the 1982 Protocol on
Consular Access and expressed the hope that the Protocol will result in
expeditious disposal of consular issues related to prisoners and fishermen of
both sides. They also agreed to examine the release of prisoners of the other
country who are detained on minor charges.
10. They also agreed to promote friendly exchanges
between the two countries. They agreed on the need for an early finalization of
an updated visa agreement between the two countries. In addition, it was agreed
to expand the list of shrines under the 1974 Bilateral Protocol on Visits to
Religious Shrines.
11. The Foreign Secretaries reiterated the importance of enhancing mutually
beneficial economic cooperation.
12. Both sides reiterated their keenness to see their respective Consulates
General in Mumbai and Karachi reopened quickly.
13. Both sides agreed on the early signing of the revised Protocol on Shipping
Services.
14. The Foreign Secretaries agreed to meet in February 2007 in Islamabad to
launch the next round of the Composite Dialogue.
15. The Foreign Secretary of Pakistan called on the External Affairs Minister,
Shri Pranab Mukherjee during the course of his visit.
New Delhi
15 November 2006