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European Commission Welcomes the successful outcome of SAARC
Summit
Press Release from the European Commission
Brussels, 7th January, 2004
On
behalf of the
European Commission, and
on his own
behalf, President
Prodi warmly welcomes the successful outcome
of the SAARC
Summit held in Islamabad
from 4-6 January
2004, and would like
to congratulate all
SAARC countries on this achievement.
The range
of decisions taken and the significant Summit results represent
encouraging steps towards enhanced regional integration. In particular,
the agreement to
implement a South
Asian Free Trade
Area will reap enormous benefits
for all SAARC countries, and constitutes
a formidable signal for strengthened regional cooperation.
The European Commission stands
ready to actively
support this move through
relevant cooperation
if so requested.
The
release of the Joint
Statement by India and
Pakistan is greatly appreciated
as an important step towards
normalisation of relations between the two
countries. The decision
by the Prime
Minister of India and
the President of Pakistan to
start the process of
composite dialogue in February
2004 is proof of
their commitment to
further strengthen the process
of confidence building and to resolve outstanding bilateral
issues.
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