Joint Press Statement, Second Round of Talks between Pakistan and India on ‘Promotion of Friendly Exchanges in Various Fields’
Date: July 27, 2005
Place: Islamabad, Pakistan

July 27, 2005

The second round of talks between Pakistan and India on ‘Promotion of Friendly Exchanges in Various Fields’ was held in Islamabad on 26-27 July 2005 under the framework of the Composite Dialogue in a friendly atmosphere. The Pakistani delegation was led by Mr. Jalil Abbas, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Division. Mrs. Neena Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, led the Indian delegation.

2. The two delegations held detailed and constructive discussions on the proposals already exchanged and the fresh proposals tabled during the meeting. The talks covered the fields of art, culture, sports, tourism, youth affairs, education, media and archeology.

3. The two delegations agreed to initiate discussions to revive the 1988 Bilateral Cultural Agreement. It was agreed to expand the 1974 Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines to increase the number of shrines in both countries as also the number of pilgrims.

4. The Indian delegation also called on Mr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan, Minister for Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, of Government of Pakistan.

Islamabad
27 July 2005