Indian foreign secretary's visit icebreaker between countries: FO

Tasneem Aslam says entire region is affected by terrorism and Pakistan has suffered the most from it

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said on Thursday that Pakistan would not characterize Indian foreign secretary's visit as a failure, rather it is an 'ice breaker' between neighbouring countries.

"I would not like to characterize it as failure. India had characterized it as a visit in the context of Saarc. We said that it is a visit that is taking place in lieu of the August visit as an ice breaker,"Aslam said while briefing media persons in Islamabad.

On Tuesday, Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said ensuring peace and tranquility along the Line of Control and Working Boundary is vital.

“This visit is part of the SAARC yatra to improve relations among SAARC countries as part of the initiative taken by the Indian PM,” Jaishankar had said while addressing the media.

Read: Ensuring peace and tranquility along border is vital: India foreign secretary

She said the meeting was held in a constructive and positive atmosphere but did not provide further details.

Aslam said terrorism is a menace that any country cannot fight alone and requires cooperation from all countries.

"The entire region is affected by terrorism and Pakistan has suffered the most from it," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has done a lot more than any other country to counter terrorism.

The country expects similar role and cooperation from other countries," Aslam said.

There are reports and also investigations about the number of terror incidents that took place in India, the spokesperson said.

"However, to immediately blame others on terror incidents is not the solution. First investigations should be conducted."

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