The fact that the joint statement came out a day later is inconsequential. What is important at the end of the day is that there was conformity of views on matters of common concern as much as there was the willingness to acknowledge the anxieties and perceptions of each other.

It is also heartening to see that as many as twenty-six issues have been addressed, that would in their own individual ways help enhance overall bilateral cooperation between our two countries. Noticeable is the fact that there are more matters on which the two sides agreed rather than disagreed.

No doubt the security concerns emerged as the major points of discussion. What was most encouraging was the very conspicuous attempt to face and address these concerns squarely and head on, instead of soft peddling or skirting them, hoping that they might disappear on their own one day.

Good neighbourly relations are built on the basic foundation of a shared willingness to acknowledge the genuine concerns of each other and being sensitive to the need for coming to grips with them. The most sensitive issue of border management must be taken up in right earnest. And in as much as we have shown our resolve to prevent our borders and territory from being used by miscreants, something that India have unhesitatingly expressed their appreciation for, we would expect reciprocation in the same degree by our neighbour in respect of miscreants seeking refuge in India.

The prospects for mutual benefits out of good neighbourly ties and cooperation are tremendous, and these must be fully realised to strengthen our relations further.