Following the meeting between Pakistan’s Adviser to Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz and Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, a joint declaration had been issued, Dunya News reported.
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While giving a policy statement, he said foreign secretaries of both Pakistan and India would meet next month to set priorities.
India softened its position to broaden the Bangkok discussions, which “covered peace and security, terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir and other issues, including tranquility along the Line of Control”.
“It was decided that the two foreign secretaries will meet next month to work out the details of the comprehensive bilateral dialogue and the level of interaction in various working groups”, Mr Aziz said.
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Mr Aziz lauded the vision of the Prime Ministers of the two countries – Mr Nawaz Sharif and Mr Narendra Modi – for starting of talks after their meeting in Paris on November 30 paved the way for the meeting of the two national security advisers in Bangkok on December 6. It is too early to assess when the Murree II can take place but at least the process of consultation will begin soon, he said.
According to details, Sartaj Aziz said that Heart of Asia conference had been successful and it helped Pakistan improve relations with India and Afghanistan. Among others, they include: confidence-building measures; the Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen Glacier and Sir Creek territorial disputes; and economic and commercial cooperation. “The Zarb-e-Azb is the largest counter-terrorism operation of its kind and is being internationally acknowledged and appreciated”, he said. He said that Pakistan, United States (US), China and Afghanistan have also agreed to start immediate consultations to resume the reconciliation process between the Afghan government and Taliban for peace and stability in the region.
However, the JUI-F chief, whose party shares the treasury benches with the ruling PML-N, praised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for organising the Heart of Asia ministerial conference on Afghanistan which he believed would go a long way in bringing regional countries together.
The statement did mention the Indian concern over delay in the Mumbai trial, but it made no reference to Kashmir or the Samjhota Express incident, and the absence of the two issues was highlighted by the opposition lawmakers.
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Afterwards, she announced Mr. Modi would visit Pakistan for a summit of South Asian nations next year; he would be the first Indian prime minister to visit since 2004.
