Pakistan desires to expand ties with India: Gilani

"Pakistan is a peace-loving and moderate country and wants to have friendly and cordial relations with all countries, including India," the premier said while addressing a "special integration camp" here being attended by contingents of scouts and girl guides from India and Pakistan.u00a0

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani/ File pic

"We expect the same feelings of goodwill from India and certainly India will come up to our expectations," he added. The current democratic government under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari is making efforts to create an environment conducive to peace and brotherhood in the region, he said.

At the same time, the government is taking all possible steps to expand trade and bilateral ties between Pakistan and India, he said. Gilani said he and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, during their meetings, had agreed to strengthen friendly ties between the two countries so that they could benefit from each other's economic resources.

"We do not have any aggressive designs against anybody and Pakistan wants to maintain relations on the basis of friendship and fraternity with the world, including India," he remarked.

According to the teachings of Islam, the people of Pakistan were peaceful and moderate and desired a secure world, he said.
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