Making an unusual suggestion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said even the culinary route can be useful in strengthening India-Pakistan ties and promote trade between the two countries.
He made the remark while addressing the Indo-Pak Lifestyle and Food Festival organised here under 'Aman Ke Saat Rang', where the aroma of mouth watering dishes of Pakistan and the world famous Awadhi cuisine wafted in the air.
Akhilesh said that mutual connect between the people of the two countries strengthen the relationship.
"Mutual connect strengthens relationship between two countries. This thread of bonding leads to exchange of culture and create business relations," Akhilesh said.
He said that governments too interact with each other, therefore to cement and strengthen these relationship, mutual bonding of the people was important.
The chief minister said that such events would provide opportunity to strengthen India-Pakistan relationship and promote trade between the two countries.
He said that through this festival confluence of brotherhood and harmony between the two countries was visible.
Akhilesh said that such events provide artisans from both the sides to know and understand each other and people get a chance to see and buy products related to handicraft.
He said that the SP government was always in favour of uplift of weavers, sculptors and artisans and has launched a number of schemes to provide facilities.
Akhilesh said that 25 acre land has been provided for Lucknow Haat, which would be ready in a year time. Similarly, he said that a Bunkar Bazar was being set up in Noida.
He congratulated the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and UP Tourism for organising the event and said that it was a good start which should be continued.
MP Dimple Yadav also congratulated the artisans and fashion designers from India and Pakistan for their products.
The event was also addressed by Humaira Bukhari from Pakistan and PHD Chairman Lalit Khaitan.
Akhilesh interacted with the artisans from both the sides. He was presented with mementos by the artisans.
Around 40 famous artisans from different parts of Pakistan and more than 25 artisans and fashion designer from Indian side are participating in the festival.
