US hails Indo-Pak talks on sidelines of UNGA, calls it 'terrific news'
Washington, Sept 21 (IBNS): The United States on Friday hailed India's acceptance of Pakistan's proposal to have a bilateral meeting as 'terrific news'.
The proposed meeting is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which will be held in New York later this month.
US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told a press briefing: "We saw that (reports of meetings between Indian and Pak leaders). I think that's a terrific news for the Indians and Pakistanis to be able to sit down and have a conversation together."
Following Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, urging resumption of bilateral talks, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday declined to hold any such dialogues.
However, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar stated that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will hold a meeting with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the UNGA.
Raveesh Kumar had reportedly indicated that the proposed meeting is taking place upon Pakistan's request.
Imran Khan has written a letter to Modi seeking resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan, moving on with his first overture for bilateral peacemaking after assuming office, media reports said on Thursday.
Khan's letter is believed to have been written in response to Modi's letter congratulating him for assuming office. According to the Times of India, Modi in his letter written on Aug 20 had called for a “meaningful and constructive” engagement between the two countries.
Pakistan's Geo TV has quoted its sources as saying that Khan in his letter acknowledged that the relations between both the countries face several challenges but Pakistan is ready for talks on all issues, including terrorism.
Khan expressed hope in the letter that the foreign ministers of both countries meet on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session.
The Pakistan Prime Minister also stressed that the two neighbours will have to take measures for the peace and betterment of their nations as well as the future generations.
After becoming the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, in his first speech, had said that he will try his best to resolve the issues with India.
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