NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani received Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan Shiv Shankar Menon here at Chief Minister's Secretariat, Peshawar on Monday.
Welcoming the distinguished guest, the chief minister underlined the need for closer co-operation between the two neighbouring countries.
Exchange of such visits would achieve desired results. He said that at the top of the agenda for developing good ties between the two countries should be the visits of political leaders because political leaders represent the people.
He also appreciated the government of India and its people for according a tumultuous welcome to Maulana Fazlur Rehman during his visit to India for confidence building between the two countries.
He also highlighted Indian parliamentarians visit to Pakistan and the welcome accorded by MMA leadership and workers at Frontier's House, Islamabad. Now, the ground has been set for more confidence buildings and the process should be carried further.
The chief minister said that both the people of the two neighbouring countries were poor.
They need efficient services in health, education, communication, drinking water and improved infrastructure in all sectors. We can not afford fuelling resources on accumulating weapons and defence build-up. These resources should be diverted to poverty alleviation and uplifting the socio-economic condition of the people of both countries.
He expressed the hope that the existing confidence measures would benefit the entire region. The political problem should be handled politically.
We should try to tie the missing links in the chain of relationship between the two neighbouring countries. He hoped that better relation between the two countries would ultimately lead to better future prospects for people of both the countries.
Reciprocating the same sentiments, the Indian High Commissioner appreciated the good intention of Chief Minister for further confidence building measures between the two countries.
He said it was Maulana's visit to India that paved the way for exchange of visits between the leadership of both the countries to find out ways to durable peace between Pakistan and India.
He also appreciated the hospitality given by the MMA's government to Indian journalists and visitors and quoted some of them as saying that if one goes to Pakistan, he must visit Peshawar.
He agreed to settle political issues with political approach and understanding. They discussed matters of mutual interest during the meeting.
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