Foreign ministers of India and Pakistan were in agreement to hold talkson a regular basis and ease tensions by reviving cross-border commerce and travel.

The two foreign ministers agreed during talks, held on Wednesday, to work more closely in fighting terrorism in the region and to easing cross-border commerce and travel.

The External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar held consultations at the Hyderabad House to review the dialogue which covers eight contentious issues including cross-border terrorism.

The Ministerial level talks were preceded by a meeting between the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan

The Ministers reviewed the status of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction on the holding of meetings on the issues of Counter-Terrorism (including progress on Mumbai trial) and Narcotics Control; Humanitarian issues; Commercial & Economic cooperation; Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project; Sir Creek; Siachen; Peace & Security including CBMs; Jammu & Kashmir; and promotion of friendly exchanges.

Both SM Krishna and Rabbina Khar affirmed the importance of carrying forward the dialogue process with a view to resolving peacefully all outstanding issues through constructive and result oriented engagement, and to establish friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations between Pakistan and India.

Though India reiterated that it was ready to discuss “all issues with an open mind” but its focus would be on pressing for justice for victims of the Mumbai attacks.

Pakistan was keen on raising the issue of Kashmir, a source of ongoing tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours who have fought two wars over the region since their 1947 independence.

The talks at Delhi were the first time the two countries’ foreign ministers have met since last year.

Ms. Khar was due to meet top leaders including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later in the day and leave for Lahore Thursday noon.

 

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