The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, New Delhi

Foreign Advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury held talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Inam Ul Haque in his hotel suite Thursday evening and discussed bilateral relations on the sidelines of the SAARC Council of Ministers meeting in New Delhi. The Pakistani Foreign Minister expressed deepest sympathy on behalf of his government and people for the victims of cyclone Sidr that had caused extensive loss to life, property and crops. Iftekhar thanked the Pak Foreign Minister for "the demonstration of solidarity through words and deeds", in particular for dispatching substantial relief for the cyclone victims.

The Advisor said that President Pervez Musharraf's telephone call to Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone was much appreciated.

They discussed further strengthening of relations both bilaterally and within the framework of SAARC. Cooperation in other international fora including the United Nations was also came up.