NEW DELHI, Aug 10: Pakistan and India have confirmed that regular hotline communication between maritime authorities had minimised apprehensions of fishermen of both the countries during the past nine months.

This was stated in a press release issued here on Friday after the conclusion of the two-day talks on maritime cooperation between Pakistan and India.

Both the countries also reaffirmed their commitment to provide help to mariners in distress and carry out coordinated search and rescue.

Pakistan was represented by Director-General of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Rear-Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar while the Indian side was represented by Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard Vice-Admiral RF Contractor.

Discussions between the officials encompassed issues pertaining to violation of the exclusive economic zone by fishermen and procedures for repatriation of fishermen and their boats. —APP