Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday greeted his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the occasion of Independence Day. In a felicitation message, Sharif said promoting friendly ties between the two neighbours was in mutual interest and he hoped that bilateral issues would be settled through sustained and comprehensive talks.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, I convey my heartfelt felicitations to you, your Government, and the people of India, on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of India. I would like to reiterate that promoting friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations between our two countries is in our mutual interest and also necessary for peace and prosperity in South Asia. We in Pakistan sincerely hope to settle all our bilateral issues through a sustained and comprehensive dialogue and usher in a new era of mutual trust and cooperation,” Sharif said in the message to Modi.
In a similar message, addressed to President Pranab Mukherjee, Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain said: “It is our belief that cooperative relations between Pakistan and India will immensely benefit our two people.” On Friday, PM Modi had greeted Sharif on Pakistan’s Independence Day.
The goodwill messages come at a time when there is a flared-up situation on the borders and allegation of terror attacks by both sides. Indian sources said they were looking forward to the talks between National Security Advisers on August 23. Meanwhile, congratulatory messages were also received from other world leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote to Indian leadership: “Russian-Indian relations have attained the level of special and privileged strategic partnership. We attach great importance to the launch of procedure for India’s joining the SCO, which opens up new vistas for broader and productive cooperation between our nations...I am confident that by joint efforts we will ensure further growth of the whole gamut of bilateral ties and partnership interaction in addressing the burning issues of regional and global agenda.”
On behalf of President Barack Obama, US Secretary of State John Kerry wrote: “The US takes pride in our indispensable partnership with India, a friendship built on our shared democratic values, the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, and our shared interests. As India continues its tryst with destiny into the 21st Century, it will find in the United States a willing and able partner in the cause of freedom, democracy, and prosperity.”