PAKISTAN’S Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said today his visit to India to watch the World Cup cricket semi-final would help improve relations between the two countries.
Gilani accepted an invitation from his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh at the weekend to attend the match, which was due to start at 0900 GMT and would result in one of the South Asian giants being knocked out.
“There will be some progress and improvement in relations when we visit India,” Gilani said before leaving for the match venue in India’s Mohali city.
He praised his Indian counterpart and described him as a “seasoned politician” who was committed to regional peace and prosperity.
“Both the countries are committed to improve the overall environment,” he added.
Gilani said he had accepted Dr Singh’s invitation to show solidarity with the Pakistani team. “Our people should now enjoy the cricket and appreciate performance of the two teams.”
“I am also happy to note that talks between Pakistani interior secretaries concluded in a positive manner in New Delhi on Tuesday (March 29).”
