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President seeks a relationship
based on Simla and Lahore

Our Correspondent in New Delhi

President K R Narayanan on Saturday urged Pakistan President General Musharraf to make an attempt, during his Agra summit meeting with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to build a relationship based on the Simla and Lahore declarations.

"In Simla we had solemnly delared that 'the two countries put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have hitherto marred relations,' It is time to implement this eloquently stated desire of our two countries," Narayanan said at the banquet he hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in President Musharraf's honour.

"We seek friendly and co-operative relations with all states, particularly with those in our neighbourhood. I believe that if India and Pakistan can establish normal bilateral relations, SAARC can be transformed into a dynamic regional organisation."

The President pointed out that history has left behind many issues and problems between the two countries. But the major and the overriding issue for the millions that inhabit the sub-continent is that of poverty, illiteracy and ill health, he said.

"You have, Excellency, often talked about this. In India, it has been our main preoccupation since Independence to eradicate poverty and elevate the levels of living of our people," Narayanan said.

Complete Text of the Speech

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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