By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan desires good neighbourly relations with India and hopes that New Delhi will positively respond to Islamabad’s suggestion to resume the sub-continental dialogue process, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Monday.
His remarks came during a joint press conference after talks with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Speaking about the regional situation, APP quoted Gilani as saying that Pakistan is “now at a new defining moment” and it was vital to join hands to promote regional peace and stability, particularly in overcoming the challenges posed by extremism and terrorism.
Gilani said he had assured Brown of Pakistan’s strong commitment to eliminating militancy, terrorism and extremism by pursuing a comprehensive approach that comprised dialogue, development and deterrence.
“To achieve this objective all elements of state power will be utilized,” he said.
Noting that “we have made considerable progress in our relations with brotherly Afghan people, with whom we have affinity of culture, trade and an indistinct sense of shared destiny”, Gilani said Pakistan would continue its efforts to promote stability in its eastern neighbour.
Describing Britain as a close friend of Pakistan, Gilani said: “Our historic ties are reinforced by the presence of one million Pakistani expatriates there, who are making a significant contribution in British economy and playing an important role in furthering the relations between Pakistan and the UK.”
“We look forward to working together closely for further strengthening our bilateral cooperation with the UK for the mutual benefit of the people of two countries,” he added.