UFA, July 10 /TASS/. The leaders of India and Pakistan said on Friday that their countries would exert efforts to develop infrastructure in the SCO region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an expanded meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries held in Ufa that India actively participated in the SCO activities as an observer but would like to do everything possible to establish ties and promote physical interrelatedness in the region.

According to Modi, the North-South transportation corridor will contribute to achieving these goals. India would like to contribute to infrastructure development in the SCO region, the Indian prime minister said.

He added that India would support efforts aimed at creating favourable environment for removing barriers, building up trade and increasing investments in the region.

India’s vast market will make its contribution to the prosperity of the entire SCO region, Modi stressed.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in turn that SCO’s enlargement thanks to accession by India and Pakistan would fairly reflect the region’s changing geopolitical landscape.

The Pakistani prime minister said that his state possessed vital land and sea routes, which would contribute to promotion of interrelatedness within and beyond the SCO boundaries.

"Pakistan’s participation will make it possible to connect Eurasia to the Arabian peninsula. We are committed to provision of peace in Afghanistan and Central Asia. That will also contribute to establishing trade ties and security in the region," Nawaz Sharif said.