Pakistani, Indian chief security officials to meet soon

Islamabad, Oct 13 (UNI) Pakistani and Indian chief security officials will meet shortly to discuss ways and means to strengthen counter-terrorism and further promote confidence- building measures between the two neighbours, an official said today.

The two countries launched their peace process in January 2004 to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir.

However, despite holding four rounds of talks, the two countries failed to achieve any major breakthrough in resolving the Kashmir issue.

''The national security advisors of the countries will meet shortly,'' a senior foreign ministry official told UNI.

He said dates for the meeting are being worked out, adding that the talks would focus on all issues including progress achieved so far on resolving the Kashmir issue peace and security, Sir Creek and Siachen.

''Pakistan has made a number of suggestions to address mutual concerns on security and counter- terrorism which include making the joint anti-terrorism mechanism more effective.

He said Pakistan was committed to a serious, sustained and constructive engagement with India and early and full normalisation of relations on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and non-interference.

''At the same time, we also remain committed to expanding bilateral trade with India, liberalising visa regime and promote intra-Kashmir interactions including cross-LoC trade, he added.

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