Because we are different.

Pak wants friendly ties with India: Zardari

14 November 2012

Press Trust of India  

ISLAMABAD, 14 NOV: Pakistan wishes to have “friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations” with India as there are tremendous opportunities for the two countries to enhance cooperation for their mutual benefit, President Asif Ali Zardari has said.

Mr Zardari made the remarks at a special Diwali dinner he hosted at the presidency for visiting Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and his delegation last night. “We want the peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes for lasting peace in the region,” Mr Zardari said.

Expressing satisfaction at the ongoing dialogue with India, Mr Zardari said there was a “general consensus” among the mainstream political parties of Pakistan to have good neighbourly relations with India.

Welcoming Mr Kumar and his delegation, Mr Zardari extended his greetings for Diwali and said such parliamentary exchanges between the two sides were highly encouraging and would contribute to the deepening of people-to-people contacts.  

The two countries should explore the scope for cooperation in fields like education, health and community development and consider establishing friendship groups in their provincial Assemblies similar to those existing in national parliaments, as this would lead to create greater understanding between lawmakers, Mr Zardari said.

Mr Zardari decided to host a special Diwali dinner for Mr Kumar on learning that his meeting with the Indian leader coincided with the Hindu festival of lights, Indian officials said.