Islamabad: Observing that violence and confrontation do not provide any solution to the problems between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has said both countries must "let each other live" in peace.

"Violence and bloodshed cannot provide any solutions. We can live together only if we let each other live," Vajpayee said in a statement read out at a peace conference attended by Indian Parliamentarians and journalists in the Pakistani capital.

"Co-operation rather than confrontation is the answer to our common problems," he said.

Among the Indian delegates attending the conference are Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Laloo Prasad Yadav, Mani Shankar Aiyer, Balbir Punj, Ram Vilas Paswan, Ram Jethmalani and senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar.

Vajpayee's message was read out on the opening day of a two-day seminar titled "Parliamentarians, Journalist and Experts Conference on Understanding Confidence Building and Conflict Resolution' organised by South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA).

Vajpayee said the conference provided hope for the future. "The meeting and the themes for discussion are a forceful reiteration of the popular desire in both our countries for a normal, peaceful, friendly and co-operative relationship."

"We cannot deny our people their right to peaceful and cooperative economic development," he added.

PTI