Talks with India essential for peace: PM

Gilani says ties with India are based on equality and respect.


Express April 26, 2011

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that broad-based talks with India are essential for good relations between the two neighbours and also vital for peace in the region.

Chairing a meeting ahead of Wednesday's trade talks between the two countries, the prime minister said that ties with India are based on equality and respect.

Top Pakistani and Indian officials led by their commerce and trade secretaries will discuss a host of issues of mutual interest on the two-day talks.

They will include an Indian offer to export electricity and possibility of selling petroleum products to Pakistan.

Pakistan may also discuss European Union plans to temporarily waive import duties on some Pakistani products to help it recover from last summer's floods.

The two sides will also discuss setting up free-trade zones along the Indo-Pak border.

According to sources, Pakistan is also willingly to discuss granting Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India.

The talks had stopped after 2008 Mumbai attack and this will be the second high-level interaction between the two countries that have seen many ups and downs in their fragile relationship, largely driven by political maneuvering.

COMMENTS (10)

Amit | 12 years ago | Reply @Roflcopter: And as long as Pakistan continues terrorist activity in kashmir there is no point of peace talks.
Mawali | 12 years ago | Reply @Ali: Really what is the point. At this juncture peace with India should not be Pakistan's priority. Pakistan needs to get its house in order before setting out to make friends and ...............!
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ