A meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi was held in, Russia on the sidelines of the regional summit.
During the meeting which took place in Ufa’s Congress Hall and lasted for 50 minutes, the two counterparts discussed matters of mutual interest.
According to reports, adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi were also present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, speaking to Express News, information minister for Pakistan Pervez Rashid said deliberations between Nawaz and Modi can range on to all subjects impeding bilateral ties and growth.
“Pakistan’s principal stance to initiate the dialogue and work for peace was hailed by the international community,” he said.
The meeting between Nawaz and Modi comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between the two neighbors in recent weeks.
The relations have been strained due to a series of controversial statements made by the top Indian political leadership. Indian Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Bangladesh admitted that his country played a part in the break up of Pakistan.
The Indian defence minister threatened to use terrorists to neutralise terrorists while a junior minister warned Pakistan of ‘surgical strikes.’
PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
The official said the two prime ministers are expected to review the current situation and look into the possibility of some kind of engagement between the two neighbors.
Pakistan, however, is not hopeful of any major breakthrough given the track record of Modi administration, commented another official.
Furthermore, as the two-day Summit kicks off at Ufo this morning, the Prime Minister during his stay is also scheduled to attend the outreach meeting of the leaders of BRICS states on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
BRICS is an association of five major emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
