Investigating agencies of India and Pakistan Wednesday announced the setting up of a joint study group for cooperation in the areas of human trafficking, counterfeit currency and illegal immigration.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) met after a gap of almost 17 years for two days of discussions that ended Wednesday.

The talks, headed by CBI Director Vijay Shanker and FIA Director General Tariq Parvez, are part of confidence building measures between the two countries.

"The talks were constructive and carried out in a professional manner between the two sides," Indo-Asian News Service quoted Shanker as saying.

The CBI director said the two sides had discussed all matters of crime and criminals. "We have commonality in this approach."

India had earlier given Pakistan a list of 22 most wanted criminals and terrorists of India.

According to the joint statement, the two sides have decided to designate an officer for better cooperation between the CBI and FIA.

The two agencies are also exploring possible avenues of professional training and sharing experiences in various fields of criminal investigation, the director said.

Besides, the two sides have decided to periodically hold meetings at short intervals.

Source: Xinhua