Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday expressed confidence in the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who he said was a man of peace. He was talking to outgoing Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, who paid a farewell call on the prime minister on Tuesday. Bashir thanked the prime minister for his constant guidance, encouragement and support in the discharge of his official responsibilities. The prime minister expressed satisfaction on the work of the outgoing foreign secretary, especially regarding successful implementation of Pakistan’s regional policies with a view to improving relations with all neighbours and strengthening cooperation in the greater Asian neighbourhood aimed at promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and energy. The prime minister said Pakistan attached high priority to promoting regional peace, security, prosperity and stability. The prime minister directed Bashir, who has been designated Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India, to pay special attention to improving relations and seeking resolution of outstanding issues, notably Jammu and
Kashmir. The prime minister mentioned that a just and equitable settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute was a priority which would open new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation between Pakistan and India.
