PESHAWAR, May 24: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has decided to participate in the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected prime minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi.
Foreign Office spokesperson says the Pakistani premier has accepted the invitation of Mr Modi and that he will represent Pakistan in the oath-taking ceremony in Indian capital Dehli on 26 May.
According to a foreign ministry statement, the prime minister will also attend one-on-one meeting with the Indian counterpart on 27 May.
Governments of several countries, known Indian political party Bharatiya Janata Party and other groups appreciated this decision and said it would be a positive step towards resolving the issues between the two nuclear-capable South Asian neighbours.
Mr Modi had passed insulting remarks against Pakistan before elections. On 16 May, Mr Modi succeeded in elections. Mr Sharif then congratulated him by phone and invited him for a visit of Pakistan.
Islamabad has already stated that it is ready to work with whoever forms the next government in India. Mr Sharif phoned Mr Modi and congratulated him on his party’s impressive election victory.
Given Mr Sharif’s policy of a peaceful neighbourhood, an official was quoted in Pakistani media as saying that the prime minister had accepted Mr Modi’s invitation.
“The final decision will be taken after consultations with all stakeholders,” he said, referring to the country’s security establishment, which always has a say on such matters.
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