NEW DEHLI: President Asif Ali Zardari met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the latter's official residence. The meeting was termed as ‘fruitful’ by both leaders. Following the one on one meeting, President Zardari and Prime Minister Singh addressed the media.
President Zardari thanked PM Manmohan for hosting him though he was on a private visit.
'I thank PM Manmohan Singh for hosting me as I am on a private visit. India and Pakistan are neighbours and would like to have better relations.'
He said his meeting with the Indian PM was fruitful and they discussed all issues concerning both countries.
Manmohan said he had a very friendly and constructive dialogue on all bilateral issues adding that he is very satisfied with Zardari's visit.
Singh said that President Zardari had invited him to Pakistan and he would be very happy to visit at a convenient time.
This was President Zardari’s first visit to India as President of Pakistan. Upon arrival, Parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal received the president at the airport. Bansal also accompanied Zardari to the Ajmer shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
Zardari headed straight to the PM's official residence at 7 Race Course Road for the one-on-one talks.
The president's delegation to New Delhi comprised Chairman of Pakistan People's Party and his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani and his personal and security staff.
President Zardari is the first Pakistani head of state to visit India in seven years after the visit of President Pervez Musharraf in 2005.