India, Pak to meet later this month to review cross-LoC CBMs

This was decided during the Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries that concluded here today.

Both sides recognised the need to strengthen the existing Cross-LoC CBMs for streamlining the arrangements to facilitate travel and trade across the Line of Control (LoC).

"They decided to convene a meeting of the Working Group on Cross-LoC CBMs on July 19, 2012 in Islamabad to recommend steps for strengthening and streamlining and effectively implementing the existing trade and travel arrangements and propose modalities for introducing additional cross LoC CBMs," a joint statement issued here said.

Since the ceasefire along the LoC in November 2003, both countries have focused on people-centric approach encouraging movement of people, goods and ideas across the LoC.

Besides movement of people, trade has become an important element in Indo-Pak dialogues.

Referring to the issue of trade, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, in a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani, said, "The forward movement on economic and commercial cooperation between India and Pakistan is really a welcome development."

Mathai said he sees it as a win-win proposition for both sides.

"Enhanced economic cooperation contributes to economic growth and development in our two countries which is the primary objective on both sides," Mathai said.