Dialogue only way to establish peace in Kashmir, says Moroccan premier

Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi said on Wednesday Pakistan and India should begin dialogue for a peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue as wars can never solve such issues.

Youssoufi renewed at a news conference Wednesday, before his departure to Karachi, last leg of his three-day official visit to Pakistan (April 16-18), the Moroccan government's stand which is in favor of peace in Kashmir.

"Morocco backs dialogue between India and Pakistan for the settlement of this issue," he said.

The Moroccan premier also voiced appreciation for the efforts made by Pakistan to uphold Islamic causes and in the first instance the Palestinian cause. "We take this opportunity to express our appreciation for

Pakistan's constant supportive stance" not only for the issues of concern to Rabat but also on the issues confronting the Muslim Ummah, he said, adding that Moroccan-Pakistani close relations date back to the days of Moroccan independence and that Morocco has always found trustworthy and reliable friends in Pakistan.

Touching on the outcome of his visit, Youssoufi said the visit was successful from all points of view and provided opportunity for an extensive exchange of views with Pakistani side.

"As a result of my visit we have entered into a new era of relationship. Our relations will expand in all fields," said the Moroccan Premier.

Youssoufi said his visit would give an impetus to cementing ties and would lead to "tangible and substantial co-operation in the fields of trade and commerce" between the two sides.

Islamabad and Rabat signed five agreements following talks between Youssoufi and General Pervez Musharraf on Monday. They agreed to set up a Joint Ministerial Commission for expansion of their economic ties and a commission for political consultation between the two countries' foreign departments and inked three other agreements related to the promotion and protection of investments, to cooperation in the sector of tourism, and to cooperation in the sector of merchant navy.

During his visit, Youssoufi also met President Muhammad Rafiq Tarar who said that establishment of deep friendly relations with Islamic countries is the central pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy.

President Tarar said that Pakistan and Morocco enjoy friendly and brotherly relations and that Pakistan will continue its full cooperation with Morocco in all fields of social and economic activity including information technology.