Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today described his interaction with the Indian leadership in Mohali as a milestone in opening a new chapter of good neighbourly relations and cooperation. Gilani, in an official statement issued by his office today, said the World Cup semi-final match in Mohali provided a very useful opportunity to the leadership of Pakistan and India to get together and discuss the whole gamut of bilateral relations. The statement said, the warmth and hospitality shown by the Indian leadership and people to Gilani, his entourage and Pakistan's cricket team reflected the shared sentiments of goodwill between two people which needs to be built upon for sustained and long-lasting peace and amity between the two countries. Gilani visited India at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to watch yesterday's keenly contested cricket semi-final clash between the two countries, which India won. The Prime Minister will invite members of Pakistan's cricket team, on their return to the country, to commend them on their performance in the World Cup and to encourage them for better results in future. The team is expected to arrive in Pakistan via Dubai early tomorrow morning.In a related development, President Asif Ali Zardari today said dialogue between Pakistan and India is the only way forward to address all outstanding issues and regular interaction will provide a solid platform to reduce misperceptions and mistrust. Zardari also described the meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and the Indian leadership as a positive development for the region. Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with Gilani, who briefed the President on his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
News On AIR | March 31, 2011 9:20 PM
Gilani describes interaction with Indian PM as a milestone in opening a new chapter