Sunday, October 2 2005 20:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh today (Oct 2, 2005) began a four-day visit during which India and Pakistan will sign pacts on pre-notification of missile tests and setting up of phone link between maritime security agencies.

Upon arrival here, Singh expressed hope that his tour will lend greater momentum to the ongoing peace process between the two countries.

A slew of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) will be proposed by Singh in his talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, who said he attached lot of importance to the visit during which he would press for speeding up the Indo-Pak peace process.

The two countries will revive after 16 years the Joint Commission which covers issues like visa, consular access to detainees and trade.

Singh is likely to push for signing of an Extradition Treaty and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in the backdrop of India's non-implemented demand for handing over of 20 terrorists and criminals from that country.