Islamabad: Pakistan today (March 24, 2004) stressed on the need for a forward movement on the Kashmir issue to sustain current peace efforts with India.

In his meeting with former Governor of Virginia and past chairman of Republican National Committee James Gilmore, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshi Mahmud Kasuri emphasised that there was a need for forward movement on the Kashmir issue to sustain the peace efforts between the two countries.

Kasuri also briefed the visiting dignitary on Pakistan-India relations, a Foreign Office statement said.

On Pakistan's role in the coalition against terrorism, he said foremost priority for the Government was to do what was in Pakistan's national interest.

Gilmore expressed satisfaction at the state of US-Pak relations, which he described as "very good".

Gilmore was accompanied by the members of Pakistan-American Business Association, who are here to attend the 6th Annual Convention of Pakistan American-Business Association.