Qingdao: Embarking on a new initiative, India, China, Pakistan and leaders from 19 other countries today (Jun 22, 2004) agreed to move "hand-in-hand" to build a better Asia and pledged to resolve disputes among them through dialogue to preserve peace and security in the region.

In a five-page declaration on 'Asia Cooperation' adopted at the end of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Qingdao, they decided to intensify political dialogue and enhance mutual trust as also coordination on international and regional issues and work to create a "harmonious and stable" environment in the region.

External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh led the Indian delegation for the ACD which was also attended by his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri and leaders from host China, Japan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Qatar, South Korea, Kuwait, Bahrain and Cambodia.

"While recognising differences and seeking common ground, we will move forward hand-in-hand for a closer cooperation," the 13-point declaration said.