In a first trip by an External Affairs Minister to Pakistan since 26/11 terror attacks, S M Krishna on Wednesday arrived in Islamabad on a mission to restore trust and increase confidence in the relationship, bogged down by terrorism over which he will convey India's concerns.
During his three-day visit, Krishna will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday and will try to find areas of convergence between the two countries, besides focusing on Confidence Building Measures in the areas of people-to-people contact, exchange of prisoners and bilateral trade.
"We hope to discuss all issues of mutual interest and concern that can contribute to restoring trust and bringing confidence in our bilateral relationship," Krishna told reporters upon his arrival in Islamabad.
"I also look forward to receiving feedback on the issues raised by our Home Minister (P Chidambaram) during his visit to Pakistan last month on our core concern of terrorism, particularly in the light of the discussions our Home Minister had in Pakistan in the context of interrogation of David Headley regarding the Mumbai terrorist attack," he said.
Describing his visit as an important one, Krishna said he hoped it would usher in "a new journey in our efforts to build a peaceful, friendly and cooperative relationship between our two countries."