Pak wants 'cooperative' relations with India

Pakistan expressed its desire to have "cordial and cooperative" ties with India, a day after the two sides agreed to have "constructive" engagement aimed at restoring the stalled dialogue process.

The sentiment was expressed by Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir when he called on External Affairs Minister S M Krishna in Thimphu. "The Pakistan foreign secretary underlined the desire of Pakistan to have cordial and cooperative ties with India," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash told reporters while briefing on the 30-minute meeting.

Bashir also expressed satisfaction over his discussions with Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao last night. They two officials held talks for about 90

minutes, discussing all issues of relevance to the bilateral relationship and agreed to take the engagement processforward. Bashir thanked Krishna for "guiding the process of bilateral engagement and taking the dialogue process further," Prakash said.

The External Affairs Minister complimented both the Foreign Secretaries for their "hard work and dedication",Prakash said. Krishna also spoke of the vision of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to see a peaceful South Asia which could become a region of co-prosperity and rapid development. At the outset of the meeting, Bashir conveyed greetings of people and leadership of Pakistan to Singh, Krishna and the people of India.