Pakistan is keen on addressing the long-standing dispute with India over Kashmir as peace is imperative for progress in South Asia, President Pervez Musharraf said on Wednesday.
Addressing the 19th Arab League Summit in Riyadh that opened on Wednesday, Musharraf said his country was working to promote peace in south Asia.
"We are also addressing the long-standing Kashmir dispute for a just settlement that is imperative for a brighter future of our region," he was quoted as saying by the APP news agency.
Musharraf also said a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the vital interest of Pakistan and the region.
He expressed satisfaction over the summit meeting between Saudi Arabia and Iran, saying it was vital that countries of the region work together to prevent a new conflict that would have serious consequences for the region.
Musharraf also called for collective efforts by the Muslim world in setting a time line and working with the international community for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along Israel.
"We must set the time line and work with the international community for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security," he added.
The president, who has been discussing a new initiative with several Muslim countries to help peace efforts in the Middle East by seeking reduction of tensions and working for harmony in the Islamic world, termed the initiative as supportive of other endeavours.
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