If they are sincere and comply with the commitments that they have made to each other, Asia should expect to witness rapid economic growth in the coming years as peace and progress are inter-related. The general perception is, if there is stable peace in this continent, development is sure to follow.

Some of the countries of Asia were so long facing problems in providing basic needs to their people. Today with the passage of time this situation is changing. Some of the Asian countries have been witnessing rapid growth in different sectors including agriculture, communication, education and also health.

Asia has long been embroiled in conflicts for reasons best known to the powers that are using Asian countries to serve their selfish interests. With the exchange of greetings between the leaders of China and India, it is hoped that there would be gradual end to hostility as well as efforts towards improvement of ties between the two major powers in particular, and among other Asian countries in general. It is believed that if China and India are sincere in their pledges made to each other in their greetings, other countries of the continent are likely to shun the path of conflicts.

The world will gradually become a better place to live in if there is peace and stability in Asia, which is home to about 40 per cent of the world's population. Asian countries were kept engaged against each other by the superpowers during the end of the Cold War. Today, the scenario has changed and there is no reason why Asian countries should fight with each other. Instead, they should engage themselves in improving their condition through enhanced cooperation among themselves.

The regional groupings like ASEAN, SAARC, BIMSTEC and ACD have already made some exercises in identifying areas of cooperation. Now it is time that the decision makers sit together for quick implementation of the programmes in areas already identified so that common masses could enjoy the fruits.

Chinese President Hu Jintao in his message to his Indian counterpart APJ Abdul Kalam, said "an everlasting China-India friendship not only serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and peoples but also contributes to peace, stability and development in Asia and the entire world." Jintao said that India and China are major developing countries with great influence in the world adding "China is ready to work with India to continuously deepen the contents of our bilateral relations and push forward the China-India Strategic and Cooperative Partnership in an all round and in-depth way."

Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in his message to his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao said, "the fast developing ties between India and China was an important determinant for the peace and security as well as development and prosperity of Asia and the world."

Both the leaders have, as it appears from their messages, made their intentions clear to work together not only for mutual benefits but also to contribute towards securing a lasting world peace.

As the role of Pakistan is important for stable peace in Asia, the speech of Shaukat Aziz at the recently held 13th SAARC Summit in Dhaka may be recalled. He described political disputes and tensions in the region as the prime impediment to SAARC's success. He said members of the regional grouping have remained embroiled in conflict management.

"We need to move toward conflict resolution." The Pakistan Prime Minister in his inaugural speech said, "We must adopt an inclusive approach and be open to interaction especially with our larger Asian neighbourhood. We need to create linkage and interdependencies ensuring a win-win for all."

When European Union (EU) could make tangible progress in forging cooperation among its member countries and enjoy the fruits, regional bodies of Asia excepting ASEAN, are yet to deliver the goods. North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA) has also made some progresses towards cooperation among countries of the block.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since their independence in1947, two of which were over Kashmir. The peace move between the two SAARC member countries was initiated in 2003. Both sides have already taken some confidence building measures like reopening of bus, air and rail links and holding of foreign ministerial and foreign secretary level dialogues for resolving irritants aimed at the establishment of stable peace. Despite the recent 'war of words' between two nuclear rivals the third round of foreign secretary level talks was scheduled to begin in New Delhi from the third week of the current month. How the peace process initiated in 2003 would continue is likely to depend on the outcome of the dialogue between the two neighbours.

One of the reasons of 'war of words' between the two sides is over Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's recent proposal in an interview to TV news channel CNN-IBN for withdrawal of troops from three cities of the Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir as part of efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna reacting to the Pakistani proposal said that India viewed Pakistan's implementation of its earlier commitment (January,2004) to end cross border terrorism as "unconditional". Musharraf said if India demilitarized three cities of Jammu and Kahsmir -- summer capital Srinagar, Kupawara and Baramulla, he would ensure end of militancy in those areas.

As regards Indian position on it Sarna said that any demilitarisation or deployment of security forces within the territory of India "is a sovereign decision and cannot be dictated by a foreign government."

In the backdrop of such developments it is yet expected that the peace process initiated between the two countries in 2003, would continue to its cherished goal -- the establishment of lasting peace. The resolution of conflicts between the two nuclear neighbours -- India and Pakistan -- will indeed play an important role towards stable peace in Asia. There is need for end to conflicts and irritation among China, India and Pakistan who are known nuclear powers.

Nurul Huda is a Special Correspondent of BSS.