NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday said good relations between India and Pakistan are essential for peace and development in South Asia.

He told a press conference that five months before completing his tenure as prime minister, he still hopes to make an official visit to Pakistan, on condition that the situation is appropriate.

He recalled that he was born in a village which is now in Punjab province of Pakistan and that he always cherished the dream of visiting his home village.

Singh said that South Asian countries now need to give priority to economic and social development to overcome rampant poverty, and good relations between India and Pakistan are very important for realizing development.