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I have come with an open mind: Musharraf

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said on Saturday that he has come to New Delhi with an "open mind" and looks forward to a "meaningful, frank and substantial" discussion on the Kashmir dispute, which has "cast a shadow" on relations between the countries.

"For more than half a century, the Kashmir dispute has cast a shadow on relations between Pakistan and India. In my talks with the Indian leaders, I will be looking forward to a meaningful, frank and substantial discussion urging them to join hands with us in resolving this dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people," Musharraf said in a statement on arrival.

The Pakistani president added, "This will facilitate resolution of other issues and lead to a full normalisation of relations."

"I am hopeful that my talks with Prime Minister Vajpayee will pave the way for better relations between Pakistan and India," he said in the one-page statement.

"I have come with an open mind and look forward to my discussions with Indian leaders on establishing peaceful, tension-free and co-operative relations between our two countries," he said.

Pakistan's military dictator stressed that "for the sake of economic prosperity and peaceful co-existence, Pakistan and India need to maintain dialogue to resolve disputes and to explore opportunities for improving bilateral relations. I am glad that this dialogue has now been resumed."

On his arrival in New Delhi at the prime minister's invitation, Musharraf said he would like to extend warm greetings to the government and people of India on his personal behalf and on behalf of the people of Pakistan.

PTI

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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