Havana: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday at the Protocol House in the centre of the Cuban Capital, in a bid to settle their long-running disputes.
Announcing a series of decisions in the presence of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf after an hour-long meeting in Havana, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said "we have decided to work for peaceful negotiated settlement of all issues between the two countries including Jammu and Kashmir in a sincere and purposeful manner. "
On Jammu and Kashmir boundary issue, the joint statement read out by Singh said both leaders had useful discussions. "There is a need to build on convergence and narrow down divergence."
The statement said the two leaders had directed their foreign secretaries to meet shortly in New Delhi to continue the dialogue and to maintain consultations for an early solution of various issues.
On Siachen, experts from both countries will work on finding a solution to the issue. A joint survey of Sir Creek and adjoining areas will commence in November 2006. Discussions will also be held on maritime boundaries.
The two sides will facilitate the implementation on understandings reached on Confidence Building Measures (CBM), including bus services, crossing points and truck services.
Musharraf said: "I am very happy with the talks. I have invited the Prime Minister to Islamabad".
Asked whether he would visit India, Musharraf said: "If invited, I will go."
Reading out a joint statement, the Prime Minister said he and Musharraf had cordial, frank and detailed exchange of views on all aspects of Indo-Pak relations.
"In furtherance of carrying the dialogue process, we reiterated our commitment to implement the joint statements of January 2004, September 2004, April 2005 and September 2005", the statement said.
It was agreed that the peace process must be maintained, as its success is important for both the countries and the people of the entire region.
"We directed the Foreign Secretaries to resume the Composite Dialogue Process at the earliest," the joint statement said.
Noting that they had met in the aftermath of July 11 Mumbai blasts, the two leaders said "we condemn terrorism in all forms."
Singh accepted in principle an invitation by Musharraf to travel to Pakistan and said he was looking forward to a ‘purposeful visit’.
"I told the President I'm looking forward to a purposeful visit at a time to be decided through diplomatic channels", Singh said at a joint media interaction with Musharraf.
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