Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Monday said that deadlock in Pakistan-India relations has eased to some extent.

Talking to the newsmen after attending a conference, he said that Indian External Affairs Minister Shushma Swaraj is arriving in Islamabad today (Tuesday) to attend the conference. She will also call on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for a meeting. He welcomed the arrival of Sushma Swaraj in Islamabad and said various matters with focus on resumption of composite dialogue between the two countries will be discussed during talks with the Indian minister.

“This is a good beginning. The deadlock has eased to some extent,” he said. The visit is part of efforts to restart peace dialogue plagued by militant attacks and distrust, he added.

To a question, the advisor said that Afghan president is also arriving on Wednesday.

The two-day ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process is beginning today here at the Foreign Office, with inaugural address by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

The issues of regional and national security, peace and development in Afghanistan and the region will be discussed in the meeting, to be attended by representatives from Afghanistan, India, Tajikistan, United States, China and other countries.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are scheduled to inaugurate the Wednesday’s event.

Indian Foreign Minister Shushma Swaraj, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Olson and foreign ministers of many regional countries are expected to attend this important conference to discuss regional situation for promoting peace and security in Afghanistan and in the region.

High-ranking delegations from 14 participating countries, 17 supporting countries and 12 international and regional organisations will attend the conference.

Foreign ministers from 10 countries have confirmed participation in the conference.

The Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process was established in 2011 at the initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey. The main objective of the process is to foster efforts for regional cooperation and connectivity with a view to promote long-term peace and stability as well as progress and development in Afghanistan and the region.

The Fifth Ministerial Conference is expected to adopt a forward looking Islamabad Declaration entitled ‘Enhanced Cooperation for Countering Security Threats and Promoting Connectivity in the Heart of Asia Region”. The declaration will underline commitments from the Heart of Asia countries and partners for sustained efforts towards promoting peace and security, economic development and connectivity in the region.

“We are looking forward to the participation of high-ranking delegations from 14 Participating States, 17 Supporting Countries and 12 International and Regional Organizations,” a foreign office statement issued here said.