Pak says it wants ''cooperative'' relations with India

Priyanka Tikoo and Ajay Kaul

Thimphu, Feb 7 (PTI) Pakistan today expressed itsdesire to have "cordial and cooperative" ties with India, aday after the two sides agreed to have "constructive"engagement aimed at restoring the stalled dialogue process.

The sentiment was expressed by Pakistan ForeignSecretary Salman Bashir when he called on External AffairsMinister S M Krishna here.

"The Pakistan Foreign Secretary underlined the desireof Pakistan to have cordial and cooperative ties with India,"External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash toldreporters while briefing on the 30-minute meeting.

Bashir also expressed satisfaction over hisdiscussions with Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao lastnight. They two officials held talks for about 90 minutes,discussing all issues of relevance to the bilateralrelationship and agreed to take the engagement processforward.

Bashir thanked Krishna for "guiding the process ofbilateral engagement and taking the dialogue process further,"Prakash said.

The External Affairs Minister complimented both theForeign Secretaries for their "hard work and dedication",Prakash said.

Krishna also spoke of the vision of Prime MinisterManmohan Singh to see a peaceful South Asia which could becomea region of co-prosperity and rapid development.

At the outset of the meeting, Bashir conveyedgreetings of people and leadership of Pakistan to Singh,Krishna and the people of India.