29 September 2004	Wednesday	13 Shaban 1425

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NEW YORK, Sept 28: The launching of Pakistan Caucus is an important development and will further improve the country's relations with the United States, says Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri.

"It is an important development and is symptomatic of the strength of our bilateral relations. It also indicates that Pakistan has bipartisan support in the US Congress," he said on Monday during a briefing.

He said that President Gen Pervez Musharraf had, during "a very hectic visit" to the United States, and launched the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, having support of 51 members of the US Congress.

Referring to the meeting between President Musharraf and President George W. Bush, he said: "The two Presidents expressed appreciation for Pakistan's contribution to the containment of terrorism, its role in promoting regional peace and security."

Mr Kasuri said, President Pervez Musharraf highlighted the need for addressing the underlining causes that have given rise to dissatisfaction and frustration. "President Bush emphasized the long-term US commitment to Pakistan and to the region. Both the presidents agreed to further expand and deepen bilateral relations to the mutual satisfaction of both the countries."

He said that President Musharraf's meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "represents way forward and marks a significant step forward towards a resolution of all issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir."

He said that the two leaders agreed that possible options for a peaceful negotiated settlement of the issue in a sincere spirit and purposeful manner should be explored. -APP