Krishna plans to visit Pakistan on September 7-9

India has proposed three new dates in early September for the postponed Islamabad visit of External Affairs Minister S M Krishna. “We have decided that in the month of September 7, 8, 9 (are the new dates) which we have proposed to government of Pakistan. We are hoping that they will give their concurrence,” said Krishna on arrival in the Cambodian capital on Tuesday evening to attend a series of meeting related to Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

This is the first time that India has officially announced new dates for the Foreign Minister’s visit, though it will only be confirmed after Islamabad gives it approval.

He said that meeting with his Pakistani counterpart  on Sunday was part of the effort to build confidence and bridge the trust deficit, as had been outlined by the top leadership of the two South Asian neighbours.

“I think that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, after assuming the onerous responsibilities of guiding the foreign affairs of Pakistan, has been extremely cooperative. As she assured me when she visited Delhi, she comes with a new mindset. That mindset has been an ongoing one,” he said.

The positive vibes from the India-Pakistan bilateral meeting was further reinforced, with Krishna appreciating the Pakistanis for taking good care of the 122 passengers of the Air India flight that made an emergency landing in Nawabshah in Sindh on Monday morning.

“I would like to convey my sincere appreciation and thanks to the helpful attitude and the cooperation that we received when Air India flight had to land in Pakistan,” he said.

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