Sukhbir Singh Badal leaves for India

Lahore: Deputy Chief Minister of Indian Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal alongwith his 45-member delegation left for India through Wahga Border today. Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Iqbal Ahmad Khan and member provincial assembly Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri saw off the delegation at Wahga Border. A smartly contingent of Punjab police presented guard of honour to the Indian delegation.

Talking to media on the occasion, Sukhbir Singh Badal termed his visit very successful and useful and added that Punjab government won their hearts through excellent hospitality. He said that very good beginnings of friendship have started between both the countries and expressed the hope that important progress in the Pak-India relations would be witnessed in the next four months. Sukhbir Singh said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has set up a committee for strengthening trade and cultural relations between the two provinces. He said that we have extended invitation to Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif to visit Indian Punjab next month which he has accepted. He said that the proposal regarding holding sports competitions between members assembly of Indian and Pakistani Punjab has been accepted whereas a proposal of opening consulate offices of both the countries in Amritsar and Lahore is also under consideration.

Sukhbir Sindh Badal said that vast opportunities of cooperation in tourism sector exist between both the countries. He said that trade benefits can be obtained by covering only 20km distance instead of trade with other countries. Wife of Deputy Chief Minister of Indian Punjab and cabinet members also expressed their positive views about Punjab government on their warmth welcome.