Talks will pave the way for structured dialogue, says Pak PM

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday, that he was hopeful that the upcoming meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and India will pave the way for "progress of structured dialogue".

Gilani made the remarks during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who called on the premier to brief him about the forthcoming meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Wednesday and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton later this month.

"Pakistan is desirous of a negotiated and peaceful resolution of all disputes with India," Gilani said. He expressed confidence that the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries "would be fruitful and will pave the way for progress of structured dialogue".

"The willingness to resume the stalled dialogue presents a win-win situation for both countries as peace and stability is the only way forward for the progress and prosperity of the entire region," Gilani said. In a separate meeting with leaders of the Pakistan People's Party from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilani said the country is committed to the cause of the Kashmiri people's right of self-determination. The government will continue to follow the vision of late former premiers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for the resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiris, he said.