'No country can prosper by acquiring loans'

Federal Minister for Cabinet Division Mahmood Ali has said that no country can prosper by acquiring loans and the developing countries should work hard to make headway. He was speaking at a seminar on "Pakistan-Indonesia ties of friendship and brotherhood", organised by the Pakistan-Indonesia Friendship Society at a hotel here, on Wednesday.
The seminar was held in the background of the Asian-African Summit-2005 and the meeting between President General Pervez Musharraf and his Indonesian counterpart, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Mahmood said that it is good to see that Asian and African countries have recognised the need of common efforts for the development of countries of these continents. Referring to the 98 countries, he said that Asian-African Summit would take us on the path of development and prosperity.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Anwar Santoso said that Pakistan and Indonesia have been enjoying exemplary friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations, based on trust and mutual understanding. Both the countries share the same views on important global and regional issues, and support each other on many occasions. Besides, the people of both the countries love and respect each other, which is a must for the promotion of long lasting relations, he added.
"In this regard, I would especially like to mention the tremendous support from our Pakistani friends after the tsunami disaster, he said. He recalled that people from all walks of life, including children, students, businessmen and organisations, donated cash and other items and expressed deep sympathy with the victims of the great disaster, which really moved our hearts and provided us strength at the difficult time."
He said, "Having been gifted with the solid foundation of trust and mutual respect, I believe, it is the time for our two countries to accelerate the pace of co-operation and to bridge the gap in various fields for the benefit of our people."
The economic ties and bilateral co-operation between Indonesia and Pakistan have continued to strengthen over the years, supported by the state visits of the respective presidents and by various bilateral agreements. The Asia-Africa Conference, which was held in Bandung in April 2005, was a significant landmark for the achievement of these goals.
The Indonesian ambassador said that the core three areas of partnership - political solidarity, economic co-operation and socio-cultural relations - were highlighted in the summit declaration.
He said that the atmosphere for investment and joint ventures has never been so conducive. Both the countries have realised the importance of enhancing trade ties and the process of negotiations is under way to sign a treaty for Comprehensive Economic Partnership for the mutual benefit of their people.
Another significant development for expanding and strengthening of mutual economic ties is the meeting of joint commission, which is likely be held in August or September this year in Jakarta. Besides, both the countries have been discussing ways to facilitate the businessmen and to remove obstacles in the free flow of trade.
The other prime motives of the Summit are fostering greater people-to-people contact to enrich civil society, enhancing dialogue among civilisations, promoting mutual understanding and establishing a cultural dialogue forum, advancing youth, gender equality and education, he said. He added that organisations like Pakistan-Indonesia Friendship Society could play an important role for the development of people-to-people contact and better understanding.
He said the cultural and youth exchange programmes, promotion of tourism, seminars and cultural shows are effective ways to promote information about each other. "I believe that the conclusions of Asia-Africa Summit are a source of guidelines for us and our countries can enter into a new era of prosperity and active relationship in the light of its proposals and findings."
Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister on Information and Archives Salahuddin Haider also emphasised that the prime objectives should be to pool resources for economic progress of both the countries.
Pakistan-Indonesia Friendship Society President Mehmudul Aziz urged the signing of a protocol between Pakistan and Indonesia making Sindh province in Pakistan and the South Sulawesi province in Indonesia sister provinces.
Vice President S. S. Iqbal also spoke on the occasion, Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi Entjim Herrianto and Consul Economic Hikmat Moeljawan were also present on the occasion.