Lahore: Expressing the hope that Srinagar-Muzzafarabad bus service would begin soon, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahammud Kasuri today (Nov 21, 2004) said the link would have a major impact on relations between the two countries.

"There are positive vibes coming from India and I hope no minor consideration will come in the way of beginning the bus service," Kasuri said in his speech at the second day of South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) being held in Lahore.

Spotlight: Kashmir is NOT negotiable

The Pakistan Foreign Minister said the beginning of the bus service would have a good and major impact on the relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.

"It will be a grand gesture if the first bus carries leaders from both the sides of Kashmir," Kasuri said and added that this would have a great effect on the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Later talking to reporters on the sidelines of the conference, Kasuri said the commencement of the bus service was "as close as one can imagine."

Asked about the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to New Delhi beginning tomorrow, he said the visit was expected to improve relations between the two countries in the field of trade and commerce as both the Prime Ministers (Manmohan Singh and Aziz) were trained economists.

The visit would also allow the dust to settle down between the two countries which had gathered because of some of the statements from the two sides, he said.

"He will also convey to New Delhi about Pakistan's commitment to peace in the entire South Asia," Kasuri said.