Open to discussing 'other issues' with Pak: Jaishankar

Ahead of Pakistan raking up the Kashmir issue at the European Parliament on Monday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met EU Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini and conveyed that India is open to discussing "other outstanding issues bilaterally with Pakistan" in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

"Glad to meet EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security @FedericaMog again. Discussed various aspects of India- EU cooperation and the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

"Underlined India's openness to discuss other outstanding issues bilaterally with Pakistan in an atmosphere free of terror and violence," Jaishankar tweeted.

Jaishankar also met the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides and discussed with him India's development plans for Kashmir after revoking of special status and dividing the state into two centrally-governed union territories.

"A good meeting with EU Commissioner @StylianidesEU. Discussed our perspectives on Afghanistan and Iran. Shared our perspective on better governance and greater development in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," he tweeted.

Later, Jaishankar also held a meeting with the Belgium Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, Didier Reynders, who is tipped by the Belgium government to be its next European commissioner.

"A warm reception by Belgian Dy. PM and FM @dreynders. Appreciate his high regard for India and commitment to building our bilateral relations.

"Shared our perspective on better governance and greater development in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Emphasized the need to renounce hostility, terror and violence by Pakistan to build normal neighbourly relations," he said.
IANS