WASHINGTON: The United States has said that good relations between Pakistan and India are critical for peace and security in South Asia.
“The relationship between India and Pakistan is critical to advancing peace and security in South Asia, so we would certainly welcome any resumption of talks between the two countries,” the US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said in Washington in reply to a question about the Indian foreign Secretary’s proposed visit to Pakistan.
“We believe that India and Pakistan stand to benefit from practical cooperation and are encouraged that they may resume dialogue aimed at reducing tensions,” the spokesperson said.
On Friday, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif among other leaders of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, and discussed bilateral relations as well as the regional security situation.
Modi wished the SAARC leaders good luck for the ICC Cricket World Cup which kicks off on February 14.
On his twitter account, the Indian prime minister also wrote that the newly appointed Indian Foreign Secretary would soon visit SAARC countries to strengthen the country’s ties with other member countries.
Would be sending our new Foreign Secretary on a SAARC Yatra soon to further strengthen our ties.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2015
