WAM Abu Dhabi, Apr 29th, 2012 (WAM) -- A UAE paper said on Sunday that Indian foreign minister's announcement of a liberalised visa agreement between India and Pakistan could not have come at a better time.

"Recently, both countries have tested ballistic missiles in a show of strength. But the governments on both sides know that for progress and prosperity, bilateral economic and trade ties play a big role. They also know that priority needs to be given to issues of people-to-people contact," commented Gulf News in its today's editorial.

"Easier travel and visa procedures will help boost trade ties so that people from the two countries can travel without hassle," the paper added.

It will also ensure that families that are divided on the two sides of the border can visit relatives without bureaucratic bottlenecks.

"People on both sides of the border will therefore look forward to the next meeting of the home or interior secretaries hoping that at least some of the barriers that have held them back for decades will be broken, making way for much-needed peace," the paper concluded.

WAM/ES/AM