Summary Both are expected to discuss measures to take forward the comprehensive dialogue process.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry held talks with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Summit in New Delhi today (Tuesday).
"Their discussions were frank and constructive. Both sides raised issues of concern to them," Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit confirmed that ‘all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute‘ were discussed during the meeting between Aizaz and Jaishankar.
"The meeting provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on recent developments in bilateral context. In line with our Prime Minister‘s vision of peaceful neighbourhood, the Foreign Secretary underscored Pakistan‘s commitment to have friendly relations with all its neighbours, including India," Basit said in a statement.
"All outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute were discussed. The Foreign Secretary emphasized that Kashmir remains the core issue that requires a just solution, in accordance with UNSC resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people," he added.
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In a statement issued after the meeting, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said: “India’s Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for early and visible progress on the Pathankot terrorist attack investigation as well as the Mumbai case trial in Pakistan. He also brought up the list of JeM leader Masood Azhar in the UN 1267 Sanctions committee.”
Jaishankar also pressed for immediate consular access to RAW agent Kulbhushan Jadhav who was arrested in March from Balochistan. Jadhav has confessed to involvement in terror activities in Pakistan.
The discussions also covered humanitarian issues including those pertaining to fishermen and prisoners, and people to people contacts including religious tourism.
The two foreign secretaries exchanged ideas on taking the relationship forward and agreed to remain in touch.
Borth sides are trying to put the bilateral dialogue process back on track that got stalled following the attack on India‘s Pathankot air base on January 2.
Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with India, including Kashmir, through talks, foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said on Tuesday ahead of his arrival in New Delhi.
HEART OF ASIA
The Heart of Asia Istanbul Process senior officials meeting will begin at Hyderabad House at 2:30 pm (PST) today. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry will lead Pakistan delegation to this meeting.
Pakistan has continued to play an active role in the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process, which was established in 2011 as a platform to discuss regional issues including security, economic cooperation and connectivity among Afghanistan, its neighbours and regional countries with a view to promote lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Pakistan hosted the fifth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Islamabad on 9 December 2015. The Conference adopted a forward looking Islamabad Declaration entitled "Emphasizing Enhanced Cooperation for Countering Security Threats and Promoting Regional Connectivity".
"Pakistan looks forward to active participation in the forthcoming Senior Officials Meeting of the Heart of Asia process reflecting our commitment to efforts for promoting long term peace and stability in Afghanistan," the Foreign Office stated.
Pakistan delegation will also hold bilateral meetings with other leading delegations attending the meeting.
