The United States (US) has said that it backs direct talks between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed to initiate dialogue with the neighbouring nation, provided it is “serious”.
US State Department’s spokesperson Matthew Miller told a press briefing in Washington on Wednesday that America has long-supported such talks.
“As we have long said, we support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on issues of concern. That has long been our position,” he said.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif showed willingness to work with neighbouring India, stressing that Pakistan has “nothing against anyone”
The prime minister said while addressing the inaugural session of the Pakistan Minerals Summit in Islamabad. “We are prepared to talk with everyone, even with our neighbour, provided that the neighbour is serious to talk serious matters on the table because war is no more an option,” he said.
He mentioned that the country has fought three wars with India in the last 75 years, which only resulted in increased poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources to finance education, health, and well-being of the people. He stressed that this is not the way to adopt, but to fight through economic competition in the region.
“War is not an option due to the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear flashpoint. He stressed the importance of both Pakistan and India understanding and addressing their serious issues through peaceful discussions to become normal neighbors. Pakistan seeks to build strong and trustworthy relationships with both the Americans and China, working together for development,” the premier maintained.
He also emphasised working with the Americans for development in Pakistan, similar to its work with China. “We really want to have the best of relations with them like we used to have in the past, on the basis of mutual respect and trust, and not trying to deceive each other,” he added.
He added that instead, the two nations should try to use available opportunities for the good of both the countries and the people.
