ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: Cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in enhancing the country's conventional arms capability is vital for ensuring peace in region, says Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Pakistan, he said, wanted peace and it was essential to have a credible defence for peace. He was talking to a US congressional delegation which included members of the US International Relations Committee.

The prime minister said that Pakistan's nuclear programme was a guarantee for regional peace, adding that it would maintain a minimum deterrence to play its role as anchor of peace in the region. "We have initiated the process of composite dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues," he added.

The prime minister underlined that the core issue of Kashmir needed to be resolved in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. He expressed optimism about a positive outcome of talks with India.

In Pakistan, he said, the structural reforms in economic sector had made the country economically strong. Members of the US team appreciated Pakistan's role in the world in improving peace and security. -APP