Pakistan, B'desh PMs laud President

Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheik Hasina said the progress achieved by Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in totally eradicating terrorism and restoring lasting peace was an example to both South Asian countries and the international community.

The two Prime Ministers said this when President Mahinda Rajapaksa held bilateral talks with them on the sidelines of the 16th SAARC Summit in Thimpu, Bhutan yesterday.

A Presidential Media Unit release said Pakistan and Bangladesh were two countries which stood steadfastly behind Sri Lanka in assisting its humanitarian operation to liberate the country from LTTE terrorism.

The release said the two Prime Ministers who expressed their appreciation of the convincing election victory achieved by the President and his government at both Presidential and general elections highly commended the great service rendered by President Rajapaksa in his capacity as SAARC Chairman.

During the talks all three State leaders agreed that SAARC should become more people a centred and render a more meaningful service in this year which marks its Silver Jubilee.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said his government would give priority towards strengthening political and economic ties with neighbouring States. He hoped to form a Pakistan-Sri Lanka and Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Commission to pursue this policy.

The talks also centred on improving air traffic among the three countries. The two Prime Ministers agreed to co-operate with President Mahinda Rajapaksa in achieving the agreed objectives.

President Rajapaksa also met Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for bilateral talks yesterday afternoon.