Azad welcome resumption of Indo-Pak Joint Commission

Jammu, Jan 15 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today welcomed the revival of the Joint Commission meeting between India and Pakistan which was signed by the two countries in 1983.

The Chief Minister, who returned here this afternoon from New Delhi, had a one-hour-long meeting with Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee after his successful visit to Pakistan.

''Mr Mukherjee informed Mr Azad that two countries have agreed for the revival of the Joint Commission and hoped that the Joint Commission would contribute significantly in strengthening the mutually beneficial relations and cooperation between the two countries,'' said an official release here this evening.

The Joint Commission agreement was signed between the two countries during Indira Gandhi's Prime Ministership in 1983 and the comission could meet only twice, in 1983 and 1989 when Congress was in power at the Centre, so far during last 24 years.

''The Foreign Minister stressed Islamabad for holding another meeting between the two countries to discuss commerce, trade, transit and other economy related issues. Mr Mukherjee informed Mr Azad that Pakistan has accepted the invitation to attend these meetings in the month of February,'' released said.

Mr Mukherjee informed the Chief Minister the outcome of his series of meetings with Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shoukat Aziz and Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri.

The Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction over the success of talks and the sincerity and will of both the countries to march towards peace and strengthen the friendship.

UNI