Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Tuesday said the proposed India-Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project would go a long way in strengthening relations between the South Asian neighbours.
He also asked the Centre to carry forward the dialogue with Pakistan on the gas pipeline project as the interest of both countries was involved in it.
Talking to reporters in Lucknow, he said free trade should be encouraged between the two countries.
On Indo-Pak relations, Sayeed said efforts undertaken by the previous NDA and present UPA government to improve relations with Pakistan has yielded results.
Observing that there has been a perceptible change in the attitude of Pakistan towards India, he said another round of talks between the two countries should be initiated.
India's help to the quake victims had sent a positive message, he added.
Sayeed said a free and fair election in Jammu and Kashmir had strengthened democracy and the federal structure of the country.
To a question about the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was firmly in the saddle.
{{/usCountry}}To a question about the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, he said it was firmly in the saddle.
{{/usCountry}}The government was implementing the common minimum programme, he said adding the programmes and policies of the Ghulam Nabi Azad government were similar to the ones pursued by his government.
Sayeed refused to comment when asked whether he would be included in the union cabinet.