Thursday, September 15 2005 15:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: Following is the text of the India-Pakistan Joint Statement issued after a meeting of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pervez Musharraf here today (Sept 15, 2005):

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pervez Musharraf met in New York on September 14, 2005 and reviewed progress in their relations since they last met in New Delhi on April 18, 2005.

The two leaders referred to the earlier statements of January 6, 2004 and April 18, 2005 and reiterated their pledge that they would not allow terrorism to impede the peace process.

They reaffirmed their commitment to the decisions taken at their meeting in New Delhi and agreed to expedite their implementation.

They also welcomed the progress made within the framework of the composite dialogue, including promotion of trade and economic relations, people to people contacts and confidence building measures.

They also welcomed the recent release of prisoners on both sides and agreed to continue this process on a humanitarian basis.

They expressed their commitment to ensure a peaceful settlement of all pending issues, including Jammu and Kashmir to the satisfaction of both sides. They agreed that possible options for a peaceful, negotiated settlement in this regard should continue to be pursued in a sincere spirit and purposeful manner.