Expressing concern at the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan, visiting UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon on Friday said both India and Pakistan should continue their composite dialogue process to maintain peace and stability in the region.

“I am concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan because of the bombings and terrorists,” he said. “India and Pakistan are two important countries in the subcontinent and they should continue to improve their relations through dialogue and cooperation.”

Speaking of his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, he said Singh was “very much committed” to continuing dialogue and improving relations with Islamabad. “I am encouraged by the commitment made by leaders of both countries,” he said.

The UN chief termed the recent opening of trade routes between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir an “encouraging development”.

On the question of UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), Ban said he had appointed new commanders to the mission recently and expressed the hope that it would continue to carry out its mandated activities successfully. “I sincerely hope that with the active cooperation of India and Pakistan, the UN observer mission (UNMOGIP) will be able to continue their mandated activities successfully,” Ban said.

Ban, who was on a two-day visit to India, met President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and they discussed global financial crisis, climate change, UN security council's expansion and Myanmar among other issues.

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