New Delhi: Affirming their commitment to the composite dialogue process, India and Pakistan today (Nov 23, 2004) agreed to work for increased bilateral cooperation in diversified areas.

On his maiden visit to India, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz began his engagements with a 45-minute meeting with External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh.

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"Both sides felt that the composite dialogue should continue to move forward and agreed to work for increased cooperation between India and Pakistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters.

Singh was assisted by India's High Commissioner to Pakistan Shiv Shanker Menon. Six Pakistani ministers accompanying Aziz and the High Commissioner in New Delhi Aziz Ahmed Khan were also present at the meeting.

Sarna said the meeting was "very friendly, positive and forward looking".