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New Pak government seeks to improve ties with India

"My top priority would be to improve and normalise ties with India and other neighbouring countries," Kasuri said in an interview published in the daily Dawn on Monday.

"We are prepared to go halfway or may be even a step further in improving relations with India," he said. "But these relations have to be based on the rule of law and mutual respect."

Kasuri is a senior legislator of the pro-Musharraf Pakistan Muslim League, Quaid-e-Azam, government that came into power last week.

"We want principled peace with honour and justice in resolving all issues, including Kashmir. Any solution to the Kashmir issue would have to take into account the sentiments of the Kashmir citizens," he said.

Observing that the strained relations had cost both countries dearly, he said it had a negative impact on the social and economic development of both. The 'unfortunate situation' required sincere efforts by the leaders of both India and Pakistan to amicably resolve all outstanding issues, he said.

Referring to Pakistan's close relations with China, Kasuri said, "Protecting, promoting and preserving the ideal strategic relationship Pakistan has with China is of utmost importance."

The foreign minister also said efforts would be made to further improve 'already strong ties' with Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states where large numbers of Pakistanis are employed.

The government will continue its policy of non-interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs and provide all possible assistance in the reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes of its western neighbour, he added.

He emphasised that enhancing ties with Islamic countries and cementing relations with the United States and the European Union are what Pakistan is aiming for.

Kasuri's overtures to improve relations with India followed remarks by President Pervez Musharraf after the civilian government was sworn in on Saturday. "India did create hurdles in my case but now that there is a new government, they should talk to them," General Musharraf is reported to have said.

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