Islamabad, Oct 13 (IANS): Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said connectivity through air, land and sea was necessary to promote regional transit trade.

Gilani made the remark while talking to visiting Maldives Foreign Minister Ahmed Naseem, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.

The prime minister said it was heartening to note that relations among SAARC countries were improving and by espousing the theme of connectivity, people of the region would come closer leading to improvement in their ties.

He recalled his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Mohali, which was followed by ministerial and secretary-level exchange of visits between the two countries, focused to improve multi-faceted cooperation especially enhancing trade and people-to-people contacts.

The Maldives foreign minister gave some suggestions to improve trade between the two countries.

He said ferry links between the two countries could increase trade substantially because Maldives imported a huge quantity of fruit and vegetables.

Similarly, the Maldives imports poultry products from Brazil and it can be imported from Pakistan if there are sea and air links between the two countries.

The forthcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit will be held in the Maldives next month.