Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote to Narendra Modi to resume dialogue between the two countries.
“PM has responded to PM Modi, in a positive spirit, reciprocating his sentiments,” Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said. “Let’s talk and resolve all issues. We await formal response from India.”
PM has responded to PM Modi, in a positive spirit, reciprocating his sentiments. Let’s talk and resolve all issues. We await formal reaponse from India.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 20, 2018
According to diplomatic sources, PM Khan called for a meeting between Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York scheduled for later in September.
PM Khan’s letter was in response to the Indian premier’s letter congratulating him for assuming office. According to the Times of India, Modi in his August 20 letter had called for a “meaningful and constructive” engagement between the two countries.
In his letter, PM Khan acknowledged the two countries have their challenges but that Pakistan is ready to have conversations, including on issues such as terrorism. Khan also stressed the two neighbours need to take measures for the peace and betterment of their nations and future generations.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in any substantial dialogue since 2015 when Swaraj travelled to Islamabad for the Heart of Asia conference.