Indo-Pak dialogue reduced trust deficit: Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Talks between India and Pakistan have reduced the trust deficit and the two sides should step up efforts to create a solid foundation for taking the peace process forward, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said today.

The resolution of differences between the two countries will usher in an era of peace, progress and prosperity for the people of the subcontinent, Gilani said during a meeting with a group of visiting Indian parliamentarians.

Pakistan is committed to a "just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue", he said.

At the same time, he spoke of the need for "India to ensure full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty".

Referring to the completion of the first round of the resumed dialogue process that began last year, Gilani said: "The talks have served to reduce trust deficit.

Both sides need to exert greater effort towards creating a solid foundation for taking the process forward."

Pakistan looks forward to the next round of bilateral talks at the (Foreign) Secretaries' level.

We hope that the next round of talks would yield positive and forward movement in all the eight segments contained in the composite dialogue framework," he said.

Gilani said it was his "most cherished dream to see Pakistan and India moving forward towards friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations".

He said his government is committed to a "constructive, sustained and result-oriented process of engagement with India".

While highlighting the positive aspects of the resumed dialogue process, the premier highlighted issues that bedevil bilateral relations, including the Kashmir issue and differences over the sharing of river waters.