Hoping for new beginning with Bengal: Pakistan envoy

Batting for economic relations between Indian states and Pakistani provinces, Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit hoped for strengthening ties with West Bengal during his Wednesday meet with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"I want to see more and more bilateral activities and activities not necessarily restricted to Delhi or Mumbai but I will like to see other states to come forward and see what opportunities exist," Basit said Tuesday at an event here.

"Ours is federation, India is federation and the units of the federation have the independence of entering into economic relations with other provinces including those in Pakistan.

"So, I would like West Bengal to explore opportunities for economic cooperation, let's say, between (Pakistani provinces) Sindh, Punjab, or Baluchistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," said Basit who is on his maiden visit to Kolkata, and slated to meet Banerjee at the state secretariat.

"It's a courtesy call, but I am looking forward towards discussing opportunities. As I said, there is room for federation units of Pakistan and India to forge economic relations. I have some proposals and I hope of a new beginning with Bengal and provinces of Pakistan," he said.

"I would also yearn for that day when Pakistan would have consulate in Kolkata," said Basit who during his three day here will be addressing fellows of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies besides attending an informal dinner reception hosted by Kolkata Press Club.