'India would like to work with Pakistan so that SAARC achieves its potential'

India would like to work with Pakistan to help SAARC achieve its potential. That was the message conveyed at a meeting that S. Jaishankar, Indian Foreign Secretary, had with his Pakistani counterpart in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Jaishankar is in Pakistan as a part of a SAARC yatra. He visited Bhutan and Bangladesh before arriving in Pakistan. On Wednesday the Indian Foreign Secretary will be in Afghanistan, the last stop on his SAARC yatra.

``I conveyed the expectations of our leadership on SAARC and their determination to forge a cooperative relationship with all our neighbours. We discussed ideas and initiatives to take SAARC forward," the Indian Foreign Secretary told the media in Pakistan in a statement.

He added that his visit naturally provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations. ``We engaged on each other’s concerns and interests in an open manner. We agreed to work together to find common ground and narrow differences. I reiterated our known concerns on cross-border terrorism, including on the Mumbai case," he said, adding that both agreed that ensuring peace and tranquillity on the border was vital.

“Our talks were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere," the Foreign Secretary said.

Later in the day, the Foreign Secretary is to call on the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

COMMENT NOW