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Natwar Singh begins Pak tour

October 02, 2005 21:17 IST

External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh Sunday began a four-day visit during which India and Pakistan will sign pacts on pre-notification of missile tests and setting up of phone link between maritime security agencies.

Upon arrival in Islamabad, Singh expressed hope that his tour will lend greater momentum to the ongoing peace process between the two countries.

A slew of confidence-building measures will be proposed by Singh in his talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, who said he attached "lot of importance to" the visit during which he would press for speeding up the Indo-Pak peace process.

The two countries will revive after 16 years the Joint Commission which covers issues like visa, consular access to detainees and trade.

Singh is likely to push for signing of an Extradition Treaty and Mututal Legal Assistance Treaty in the backdrop of India's non-implemented demand for handing over of 20 terrorists and criminals from that country.

Ajay Kaul in Islamabad
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