Pakistan wants normal ties with `important neighbour` India: Nawaz Sharif

Mangalore Today News Network

Islamabad, Jan 28, 2015: A day after US President Barack Obama wrapped up his three-day visit to India, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday claimed that his country wants good neighbourly relations with all countries of the region.

During his meeting with Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit here, Sharif described India as an important neighbour of Pakistan.

As per an official press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Basit called on the Prime Minister today and briefed him about the current status of ties between Islamabad and New Delhi.

The press release quoted Sharif as saying, "We would like to have normal relations with the country (India) on the basis of mutual respect and sovereign equality.”

He was further quoted as saying: "It is important that two countries resolve all their outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, in order to have viable peace in the region."

Ahead of President Barack Obama’s India visit, the US had asked Pakistan to ensure that there is no cross-border terror incident during the trip and subtly warned of "consequences" if any such attack is traced back to the country.

The warning was issued keeping the track record of Pakistan-based militant groups that have carried out attacks in India coinciding with high-profile visits from the US.

During his India visit, Obama sent a clear message to Pakistan, saying "safe havens" of terrorism within that country were not acceptable and described India as a "true global" partner.

India cancelled Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan after Basit held talks with Kashmiri separatists just before the parleys in Islamabad August last year.

Since then both countries have maintained that they are willing to engage in a meaningful dialogue provided the other side takes the initiative.

 

Courtesy: Zeenews