Islamabad, Dec 04: Pakistan has agreed to the Indian proposal for talks between the Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security agency to enhance cooperation and called for some "deliberations" to work out modalities. Commenting on the Indian announcement yesterday proposing setting up of direct communication links between ICG and MSA and to hold twice a year flag meetings between the officials the two agencies, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman, Masood Khan said both moves had already been proposed by Pakistan some time back.
He said such steps could be useful and mitigate sufferings of the fishermen of both countries as large number of them were getting caught for crossing maritime boundaries on both sides.
"It was our strongest desire that all countries including India help us to achieve lasting peace in the region," he said.
As part of confidence building measures to normalise bilateral ties, India had yesterday proposed direct communication between Coast Guards of both countries to address issues relating to fishermen and operational difficulties.
India proposed that the director or the deputy director of operations at the ICC headquarters could establish communication through ISD with their counterparts in MSA headquarters with effect from January one.
Bureau Report