India looks for cooperative relationship with Pak: Krishna

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and he Indian counterpart SM Krishna made brief statements before starting their discussions in New Delhi Wednesday, Geo News reported.

In his public welcoming remarks, Mr Krishna said, "India looks forward to a cooperative relationship with Pakistan. It is in the interest of peace not only for our two countries but for the entire region and beyond. Perhaps we owe this to ourselves as well as to succeeding generations."

Khar, who is Pakistan's youngest and first female foreign minister, said, "Pakistan sees good friendly and cooperative relations with India as an important neighbour.

"We feel the relationship between the two countries should not be held hostage by the past." She also stressed that officials on both sides must be "respectful of the reality of the two countries."

Hina Rabbani Khar also met BJP leader LK Advani before her meeting with Indian foreign minister. Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Shahid Malik, Pakistan High Commissioner in India were also present in the meeting.