Washington: As Manmohan Singh-led Government is all set to assume office, the US has said it looked forward to working with it on all aspects of Indo-American relationship and hoped that there would be continuity in the peace process between India and Pakistan.

"We are looking forward to working with them. We have a solid agenda with the Indian people covering all aspects of our relationship. We see no reason why they should not continue to be pursued with the new Government," US Secretary of State Colin Powell said.

He was addressing a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri after their talks in Washington yesterday (May 19, 2004).

Both Powell and Kasuri hoped the "road map" of peace between India and Pakistan would remain on track despite the change of Government in India.

"A road map has been worked out between India and Pakistan on their relationship, which they have followed, and which seems to be still very much active and we expect both sides will continue to walk down that path," Powell said.

Kasuri said Pakistan was committed to the peace process with India. "We discussed the situation emerging out of the new elections in India and the Secretary felt - and I agreed with him - that in view of the work that has already been done and the good vibes that are coming from the leaders of the would-be Government, we both agree these are positive signals and we need to continue with that," Kasuri said.

"I am certain that the Government of Pakistan is committed to continuing the peace process and I look forward to the Government of India doing the same," Powell said.