At the talks between the Indian external affairs minister and the Pakistan foreign minister both countries agreed to continue the cease-fire now in effect from 25 November last year. Both countries reached an understanding on the confidence building measures on security and the nuclear issues, but differences on Kashmir and cross-border terrorism remained. [passage omitted]

Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He met with Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar and discussed cooperation between the two countries in energy sector. Kasuri would visit Ajmer Sharif [shrine in Ajmer city of Rajasthan] today.

[Correspondent] Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. During the meeting, Kasuri briefed Manmohan Singh about the progress made during the two-day talks between the two countries. Earlier, Kasuri also met with Petroleum Mani Shankar Aiyer and discussed mutual cooperation in energy sector. After the meeting, Kasuri said that detailed discussions would take place at the future meeting of the petroleum ministers of two countries on issues related to petrochemicals and other petroleum products.

[Kasuri, in English] We recognize the importance of availability and access to energy resources in the region around South Asia. The ministers of petroleum/gas would meet to discuss the issues in multifarious dimensions.

[Correspondent] Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer said that during his future talks with his Pakistani counterpart exports of petroleum products would be discussed.

[Aiyer, in English] These issues would be addressed in their multifarious dimensions based upon the facts that there are important energy resources available in regions that abut the South Asian community area. And, so we will see how we can move forward on that.

[Correspondent] Pakistan imports about 4.5 million tons of diesel from Kuwait and other Gulf states every year. To address the situation, India has proposed a pipeline between Lahore and Jullundar to meet Pakistan's requirement which would greatly benefit it.

Soon after talks at Hyderabad House, Kasuri also met with National Security Adviser J. N. Dixit at South Block.

Elizabeth Jane, Doordarshan News, Delhi.