In a move to carry forward the momentum in their already-eased relations, nuclear-capable India and Pakistan jointly announced on Sunday they will establish a secretary-level hotline linking their foreign ministries.

The hotline, to be upgraded from the one existing between the two countries' militaries, is intended to "prevent misunderstandings and reduce risks relevant to nuclear issues."

This is an encouraging decision which signals strong wishes and efforts on both sides for confidence-building and mutual communication.

The announcement was made in a joint statement issued after two days of nuclear security talks in the Indian capital of New Delhi - the first such talks since India successively carried out nuclear tests in 1998.

The two long-standing adversaries also reaffirmed a moratorium on further nuclear tests, unless events occur that jeopardize their respective national sovereignty or supreme interests.

For all who have watched with grim concerns over a possible nuclear conflict between the two, the moratorium is cause for optimism.

To prevent the other side from mistakenly interpreting its military development, both countries also agreed to provide advance notice when they conduct missile tests, and they reached a consensus on related technical indices.

The goodwill gestures made by the two neighbours in the nuclear security talks, only part of a series of peace initiatives started this spring, show their sincerity for further reconciliation.

The ground-breaking nuclear security talks have also helped eliminate the international community's misgivings about whether the initial reconciliatory tendency between the long-time rivals would be carried forward by the new Indian government elected last month.

The latest actions show the two rivals, though still far apart on many issues, can gradually walk out of confrontation and step towards final conciliation if they maintain a commitment to pragmatic dialogue.

(China Daily 06/22/2004 page6)