PARIS: In a major development, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Monday had an informal meeting on the sidelines of a grand climate summit in France.
Sources said that the Indian PM Narendra Modi was interested in meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
The meeting between the PMs of two neighbouring countries is being termed a big breakthrough in the backdrop of border-related tensions and the unfriendly climate for Pakistani artists, cricketers and writers in India.
When Modi and Sahrif faced each other, the former came up to the latter of his own accord, shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Next, they took a seat beside each other on a couch.
During the meeting, PM Modi expressed the desire for cordial ties with Pakistan. “We wish to improve the situation in connection with Pakistan,” Narendra Modi said.
PM Nawaz Sharif reciprocated PM Modi’s welcome gesture with these words: “Pakistan desires peaceful co-existence with neighbours.”
The Pakistan premier said Pakistan attaches highest significance to its principled stance. “Pakistan desires better bilateral relations with India,” he added.
Nawaz Sharif said: “We want peace without any compromise on the dignity and honour of Pakistan.”
