AMN /
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today expressed hope that re-engaging with Pakistan under a ‘Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue’ will mark beginning of peace and development as continued estrangement was a hurdle to peace and prosperity in the region.
Making a suo motu statement in Rajya Sabha on her recent visit of Islamabad and recent developments relating to ties between the two neighbours, Swaraj said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the environment conference in Paris “again re-engaging with each other.
She said, there was also a “sharp awareness” that principal obstacles to the growth of ties, especially terrorism, would have to be clearly and directly addressed. She read out her statement as members of several opposition parties were in the Well vociferously raising slogans on several issues.
Mrs. Swaraj said initiatives on trade and connectivity, people-to-people exchanges and humanitarian issues would contribute to welfare of the entire region and promote better
understanding and mutual trust. She said, government accords highest priority to country’s security and building an environment of peaceful, cooperative relations with neighbours including Pakistan. Mrs. Swaraj will also make a statement the Lok Sabha later today.
External Affairs Minister said the Foreign Secretaries of both the countries have been tasked to work out modalities and schedule of the meetings under the new dialogue. The External Affairs Minister said, the government will take all steps, including through diplomatic channels in order to meet any security threat.
Mrs Swaraj said, India and Pakistan condemned terrorism and resolved to cooperate to eliminate this menace. She said, New Delhi also dwelt on the need for Islamabad to expedite the Mumbai terrorist attacks trail. The Minister said, the Indian side was assured of the steps being taken to expedite its early conclusion. Mrs Sushma Swaraj was in Islamabad to attend Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference on 8th and 9th of this month.