Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) have extended for another five years from March 17 their MoU on cooperation in combating smuggling, illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and piracy, and coordination in search and rescue and return sea passage among other areas.
The MOU has been extended by mutual consent through diplomatic channels, External Affairs Ministry announced today.
"The MoU, signed on 3 October 2005, had come into effect on 16 March 2006.
"It envisaged cooperation between ICG and PMSA through exchange of information on EEZ violations, apprehended vessels, marine pollution, natural disasters/calamities, combating smuggling, illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and piracy, and coordination in search and rescue and return sea passage.
"It also established a communication link which is operational. Under the provisions of the MoU, Directors General of ICG and PMSA meet periodically," the ministry said.
After the talks which lasted for nearly 90-minutes, the
Pakistan High Commission said in a statement that Chaudhry also took up the matter of capture of RAW officer, Kulbushan Jadev and expressed serious concern over RAW's alleged involvement in subversive activities in Balochistan and Karachi.
"He said such acts undermine efforts to normalise relations between the two countries. He also conveyed concern over efforts by Indian authorities for the release of the prime suspects of the Samjhauta Express blasts," it added.
He expressed confidence that building on the goodwill generated by the recent high level contacts, the two countries should remain committed to a sustained, meaningful and comprehensive dialogue process.
In this spirit, the Foreign Secretary underscored the need for early commencement of comprehensive dialogue for which the Indian Foreign Secretary's visit to Pakistan is due.
