Well-being of Indians, Pakistanis depends on normalisation of relations: Gilani

Lahore, May 7 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the well-being of Indian and Pakistani people depended on the normalisation of relations between the two countries on a sustainable basis.

Addressing the 2nd Aman Ki Asha Economic Conference in Lahore, Gilani said, "The engine of economic growth is not fueled by regional tensions and conflicts" and that "it needs peace and an enabling environment."

Industrialists, entrepreneurs and business professionals from both the countries attended the conference.

"It is a matter of satisfaction that the business communities of two countries are exploring vistas of economic cooperation," The Express Tribune quoted Gilani, as saying.

He said that better trade relations between the two countries had "great potential for a bright future".

"This is a region, where more than one-fifth of the world population resides and which is fast becoming one of the key drivers of the global economy," Gilani said.

Gilani also said that the presence of the business community underlined the need of peace and normalisation of relations between the two countries.

"Notwithstanding the ups and downs in our bilateral relations, our support to the cause of peace and normalization of relations with India has remained steadfast. This is because trade between our countries is to our best advantage. Let me add here that Pakistan's closest friend and strategic partner, China, is also in favour of our normalization of relations with India," he said. (ANI)