Expressing a desire to build ties with West Bengal, Pakistani High Commissioner to India Salman Bashir today lauded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for "her wonderful job in transforming the lives of people of the state".
"I must compliment the leadership here, particularly the chief minister, for the wonderful job in transforming the lives of people of the state. It is truly worth applauding," Bashir said here.
The Pakistani envoy, who called on Banerjee during the day, said, "I express my gratitude for receiving me warmly, and was touched and impressed by her commitment for better bilateral relations. She also expressed a desire to visit Pakistan, which we welcome."
Earlier, Banerjee said Bashir, accompanied by his wife, met her at the state secretariat and handed over an invitation of the Pakistan Prime Minister to visit his country at a convenient time.
"It is the sincere desire of Pakistan's Prime Minister and the President and people of that country to reach out to West Bengal in a cooperative endeavour so that the bonds of culture and friendship be revived and reconstructed," Bashir told a meet-the-press programme organised by Press Club here.
He said, "Kolkata was always on the radar and West Bengal was special to the Pakistani people and there were lots of shared history and culture and closely bonded, if I can say so."
Bashir said Pakistan had closely followed the story of West Bengal, though from a distance.
"Pakistan and India, particularly West Bengal, have serious challenges and opportunities to learn from each other's experiences whether in the areas of industry, trade or governance," he said.
Bashir said the Pakistani minister of trade would visit the city to boost trade ties.
