Krishna arrives in Pakistan with message of peace and friendship

Islamabad, July 14 (ANI): Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna arrived here on a three-day visit, with what he said was a message of peace and friendship for the people and the Government of Pakistan.

Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik and the Chief of Protocol of the Government of Pakistan received him and the Indian delegation.

On landing in Islamabad, Krishna said: "I bring with me the warm greetings of the people and the Government of India for the people and the Government of Pakistan. This is an important visit, as it marks the beginning of a new journey in our efforts to build a peaceful, friendly and cooperative relationship between our two countries."

He further went on to say: "We convey our best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous and stable Pakistan. During my stay in Islamabad, I, along with my delegation, am looking to our meetings with Foreign Minister Qureshi and his delegation. We hope to discuss all issues of mutual interest and concern that can contribute to establishing trust and building confidence in our bilateral relationship."

"I also look forward to receiving feedback on the issues raised by our Home Minister (P. Chidambaram) during his visit to Pakistan last month on our concern of terrorism, particularly in the light of discussions our Home Minister had in Pakistan in the context of the interrogation of David Coleman Headley," Krishna.

Referring to the probe connected with the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the External Affairs Minister said: "India is committed to resolving all issues with Pakistan through a peaceful dialogue and negotiations based on mutual trust and confidence."

He also said that he was honoured to be given the opportunity of calling on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

He said: " I am carrying with me a message of peace and friendship from the people of India and we hope to undertake this voyage of peace, however long and arduous, jointly with the Government and people of Pakistan.

After delivering his arrival statement, Krishna was taken from the airport in a helicopter. By Smita Prakash (ANI)