KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said on Tuesday that Pakistan and India had a common historical background and they should have good relations with each other in the interest of their teeming millions.

Talking to a delegation led by Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, he said it was the first business delegation of such a high level that had come to Pakistan, particularly to Sindh, while there had been exchanges of teams of writers and poets and cultural troupes.

The chief minister said trade relations between the two countries had started after the Simla agreement and PPP’s governments had always encouraged good bilateral relations for the betterment of people.

The Indian minister said the delegation had held a productive meeting and had better expectations for the future.

The chief minister also hosted a reception for the visiting delegation.

The Indian delegation also met Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan who said there had been a big, positive change in the approaches and policies in both countries at the government and other levels, including the people-to-people level, following a realisation that they were natural partners in many ways.

“Today we have political will and our cabinet has formally approved to give the MFN status to India.”

He said the country’s business community was also keen to do business with India and enter into joint ventures.

The governor said there was visible progress in dialogue between both countries at various levels, including their prime ministers, foreign and commerce ministers and secretaries.

Addressing a joint meeting of Indian delegates and a group of Pakistani business leaders, he agreed with Mr Sharma that strong economic ties and increased interaction between their business communities and societies would help resolve contentious issues between the two countries.

“We have to move forward for the good of both the nations.”