India has always desired to build peaceful, friendly and cooperative ties with Pakistan, and this policy will be continued by the new government, President Pranab Mukherjee assured Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who called on him on Tuesday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
An official of the President’s Office said Mr. Mukherjee appreciated Mr. Sharif’s “gracious response” to the invite from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reciprocating the President’s call for maintaining peace, Mr. Sharif said he considered it a personal privilege to be in India. He said the government in both countries had a strong mandate and this was a historic moment for both countries to move forward and remove mistrust.
Mr. Mukherjee also said efforts should be made to open up trade and economic cooperation as this was an opportunity which should not be missed.
During his meeting with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Mr. Mukherjee praised his efforts and said the fact that democracy had taken root in Afghanistan was Mr. Karzai’s political legacy for the country.
He said India’s political leadership, cutting across party lines, greatly valued Afghanistan’s friendship and recognised the personal efforts Mr. Karzai had made to develop the strategic partnership. He assured the Afghan leader that India would remain committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
President Karzai described India-Afghanistan relations as strong and deep.
Welcoming Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, the President said relations between the two countries were exemplified by the close cooperation in a wide range of areas. India looks forward to close integration of India and Maldives economies for mutual benefit.
Devolution of powersDuring his meeting with Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mukherjee said the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka should be utilised to create a lasting political settlement within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. The resumption of dialogue and meaningful devolution of powers would contribute to this.
The Sri Lankan President reciprocated the sentiments expressed by the President and said inviting leaders from countries of the region was an important message of friendship to the entire region.
Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Mr. Mukherjee spoke of taking the relations to new heights.
Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala briefed Mr. Mukherjee on the Constitution-making process in his country. Mr. Mukherjee said that as a close friend and neighbour, India stands ready to support the government and people of Nepal in their historic endeavours.
During his meeting with Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the President said India attached the highest importance to its relations with Bangladesh and wanted a deeper and stronger partnership. The Speaker responded that Bangladesh had always attached a different value and priority to relations with India.
Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay also called on the President. Relations between India and Bhutan were based on shared strategic perceptions, the utmost trust, transparency and sensitivity to each other’s concerns and vital interests, Mr. Mukherjee told the dignitary.
