On this occasion Zardari expressed satisfaction at the ongoing dialogue with India and added there was a general consensus among the mainstream political parties of Pakistan to have good neighbourly relations with its eastern neighbour. The two countries should explore the scope for cooperation in fields like education, health and community development, he said.

Reports also said that Zardari decided to host a special Diwali dinner for Nitish on learning that his meeting with the Indian leader coincided with Diwali, the festival of lights. 

Earlier, Nitish and and his delegation were scheduled to call on Zardari at the presidency in the evening and the meeting was to be followed by a formal dinner hosted by the foreign ministry.

The President's decision reflected the importance being attached to visit by the Bihar chief minister as Zardari took a personal interest in it.

Among those who attended the dinner were acting Indian high commissioner Gopal Baglay, foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, minister for national harmony Paul Bhatti and senior Pakistani officials.

Zardari also lauded the “rich cultural and civilisational heritage of Bihar” and said greater interaction between the people and greater cooperation and exchanges with the Bihar government in diverse areas would prove mutually beneficial. He appreciated the “Bihar model of development”.
At this point he also referred to the Benazir Income Support Programme, which is Pakistan’s flagship poverty alleviation scheme.

Speaking on the occasion Nitish thanked the President for warmly welcoming him and his delegation and said the Indian people were keen to promote good friendly relations with Pakistanis.