ISLAMABAD The South Asian nuclear rivals, Pakistan and India on Tuesday resolved to take forward their slow-moving peace process to settle Kashmir and other bilateral disputes as they held here the foreign secretaries talks, the first official interaction between the two states after the formation of the new Pakistani government. The two sides also finalized a consular access agreement to facilitate the early release of each other's prisoners following their identification. According to officials privy to talks, the agreement would be signed after the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries scheduled for Wednesday (today). Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Salman Bashir, who led the Pakistani delegation, met his Indian counterpart, Shiv Shankar Menon here at the foreign office to review the fourth round of Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue. As Pakistan asked for meaningful dialogue to resolve the core issue of Kashmir, India demanded an end to terrorism and violence saying it was necessary for building trust and cooperation. India also voiced its concern over several incidents of firing by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control, following which Islamabad gave an assurance that it was committed to maintaining the ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. The two sides, however, expressed satisfaction over the fact that they were very near to agreements on Siachin and Sir Creek, which were in final stage, the officials said. The two Foreign Secretaries, according to officials, reviewed the progress made by the two sides on the eight issues of composite dialogue agenda including Kashmir, Peace and Security including CBMs, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project, Terrorism and Drugs Trafficking, Economic and Commercial Cooperation and Promotion of Friendly Exchanges in various fields.   Both the Foreign Secretaries exchanged views on carrying forward the composite dialogue process including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. An official requesting anonymity said the talks were held in a friendly, constructive and positive atmosphere. Pakistan conveyed to the Indian side its principled stand on the Kashmir issue that it should be resolved in accordance with the United Nations resolutions and according to the aspirations of Kashmiri people, he added. He said the two sides agreed to continue exchange of views and explore ways and means to work towards a just settlement acceptable to Pakistan, India and most of all Kashmiri people. Pakistan presented 15 different proposals to the Indian side on the eight issues being discussed in the talks, he said adding that the proposals were mainly for the comfort of the Kashmiri people and to improve confidence building measures. Both the countries agreed to take measures for the implementation of the agreed points, the official said. Giving some details about Pakistani proposals, he said both the sides agreed to work on "fast track" to settle the issues of Siachin and Sir Creek. Pakistan also suggested that the five crossing points on the Line of Control must be made fully operational to provide more chances to the Kashmiris for their movement, the official said. Pakistan also proposed to increase frequency of the bus service between the two parts of Kashmir from fortnightly to weekly, he added. On the issue of peace and security, both sides agreed that they should show restraint to move forward. It was also agreed that there was need to give serious consideration to nuclear CBMs between the two countries, he said. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the formation of a judicial committee to help early release of the prisoners and agreed that the committee would meet soon to expedite its work. On the participation of Kashmiris in the Indo-Pak talks, the official said, it was discussed in the meeting adding that the main focus was on working for the right of self-determination of Kashmiri people. On the trade and commerce issues, he said cement export issue was one of the important segments which was discussed as it related to logistic problems; therefore, it was decided that the officials of railways from two sides would meet in the third week of May to settle it. The official said, Pakistan reiterated to implement the agreed points and also raised the issue to simplify the issuance of permit to the Kashmiri to make the five crossing points on LoC fully operational. Pakistan also conveyed its resentment to India on the issue of violation of human rights in occupied Kashmir. The issue of opening of consulates at Karachi and Mumbai were also discussed and on the demand of Pakistan to hand over Jinnah House for opening its consulate in Mumbai, the Indian side said the case was pending with the Supreme Court. Earlier, the Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, upon his arrival here on a two-day visit, said India approached the next round of talks in a spirit of cooperation, trust and pragmatism. He said, "This is predicated on an atmosphere free from terrorism, violence or the threat of it." He expressed confidence that the new democratic environment would help in addressing various issues related to peace, stability and economic development. Mukherjee, who will hold talks with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi today (Wednesday) in the first high-level contact with the new dispensation in Islamabad, described as "tragic assassination" the killing of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto while emphasizing the end to cross-border terrorism. He said, "Her (Bhutto's) loss is still a fresh wound. Not just Pakistan, but our entire region has lost a charismatic leader of great promise, foresight and capability." Mukherjee also met PPP Co-Chairman, Asif Ali Zardari and former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif. He is set to meet President Pervez Musharraf today (Wednesday). Mukherjee will also call on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani before the conclusion of his visit. The India Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon, addressed a press conference after his talks with Pakistani Foreign Secretary. He said India voiced its concerns over several incidents of firing by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control, following which Islamabad gave an assurance that it was committed to maintaining the ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, "Both sides made it clear that they attach great importance to the ceasefire and they want to make it hold." Menon said the matter of LoC firing had also been taken up by the Directors General of Military Operations of the two countries and both sides were committed to maintaining the ceasefire which came into force in November 2003. He said the two sides also discussed the prisoners' issue and in this regard they also had deliberations on the vital matter of Sarabjit Singh, an alleged Indian spy currently on death row in Pakistan. Answering a query, he said it was difficult for him to say something as of now on the contentious issue of Dawood Ibrahim, the India's most wanted underworld figure for his alleged involvement in 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts.