We are committed to work for peace: Gilani

"As far as our relations are concerned, I am happy that our talks have resumed. The talks between the Interior Secretaries were conducted in a positive manner. I appreciate that," Gilani said shortly before leaving for Mohali in India to watch the blockbuster India-Pakistan semi-final of the cricket World Cup. The two-day meeting of the Home Secretaries of India and Pakistan ended in New Delhi yesterday.

Gilani, who is visiting India at Singh?s invitation to watch the match, described his Indian counterpart as an experienced politician with a positive attitude. It will be Gilani`s first visit to India after becoming prime minister in March 2008.

"He (Singh) wants to work for peace and prosperity in this region. We are both committed to this and we want the environment to improve so that we can serve the people," he said.

"I have never seen him (Singh) being negative about this. I have always found him to be positive," Gilani told reporters at Chaklala military airbase in Rawalpindi before taking off for India.

Gilani said he expected his visit to lead to "some progress" between the two countries and "an improvement in relations". Besides, the Pakistan team "will get a boost", he added.

Asked if he would try to move from playing "a one-day series to a longer series" during his talks with Singh at Mohali, Gilani replied: "Naturally when we go (to India), the talks will be held according to the opportunity."