Pak-India talks on nuclear CBMs lauded

24 Jun, 2004

Japan, Thailand and China have lauded the peace process between Pakistan and India, particularly the dialogue on Nuclear Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), hoping it would lead to a durable peace and security in the region.
In their separate meetings with Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri during his two-day stay here, the Foreign Ministers of the three countries hoped that the understanding and co-operation between the two countries on the nuclear issues would set aside the risk of nuclear conflict.
They welcomed the positive and constructive talks held in Qingdao between Kasuri and Indian External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh, and said that reflected their positive state of mind in resolving the disputes and differences through peaceful means.
They also appreciated Pakistan's active co-operation with the international community to combat terrorism and extremism, making the country a modern Islamic welfare state.
Kasuri told newsman that his meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Japan, Thailand and China were very useful.
While he was in Qingdao to attend the Asia Co-operation Dialogue conference, he said, he availed of the opportunity to brief them about Pakistan's peace efforts.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi welcomed Pakistan's initiatives and efforts towards nuclear non-proliferation and promoting understanding with India on that issue.
she said her country was looking forward to the peaceful settlement of their bilateral disputes, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
She invited Kasuri to visit Japan to discuss matters of bilateral interest so that the two countries could make further progress in the political and economic fields.
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing expressed his pleasure over the progress made by Pakistan and India towards settlement of their bilateral disputes.
He reiterated that China would continue to support the two countries bringing normalcy in their bilateral relations.
Li said: "We are also glad to see the understanding reached between the two countries on the nuclear issue."
Li regretted the incident in which three Chinese engineers were killed in Pakistan, but assured that it would not affect their bilateral ties in any manner whatsoever.
He said his government would continue to encourage its public and private sectors to participate in the development activities in Pakistan.
About the construction of the Gwadar project, he said it would be completed ahead of the scheduled time.
Li said: "We cherish our all-weather friendship with Pakistan and wish to develop comprehensive partnership in all areas of common interest."
Thailand Foreign Minister Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, during his meeting with Kasuri, said his country attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan and wished to enhance co-operation at bilateral and regional levels.

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