Pakistani High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik makes a speech at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, Nov 30, 2011. [Photo by Uking Sun/chinadaily.com.cn]

BEIJING - Pakistani High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik said the two neighboring countries are continuing the second round of multi-level talks, and he urges India to take advantage of this time in the interest of regional peace.

Pakistan and India resumed talks last year after the 2008 attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai halted these efforts. In early November, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani pledged to open a new chapter in their relationship.

Malik said leaders of both countries expressed the desire to negotiate and Pakistan maintains its position to have dialogues with India on all issues.

The second round of talks started on different segments, including Kashmir, peace and security, water-related matters, and cultural exchanges.

"I expect considerable improvements by the middle of next year, when foreign affairs ministers of the two countries meet, ” said Malik during his visit to China.

India granted Pakistan most favored nation status in 1996 and recently extended that status. But Malik said India’s strict rules and regulations, such as travel restrictions and visa policies, still make it difficult for Pakistani businessmen to boost trade exchanges.

On the stalled cricket plays between Pakistan and India, Malik said cricket can bring people together and that the cricket boards of the two countries are in talks to restore bilateral cricket ties.