Washington: The United Nations and the United States have lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore.
US State Department spokesman here said that improved ties between the two countries would benefit the entire region, while United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon too welcomed the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. The UN Secretary Geenral has been encouraging the two countries to engage in dialogue.
A UN spokesperson expressed hope that the bilateral dialogue will be maintained and strengthened.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi met Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif at latter`s residence Raiwind Palace, the ancestral home of the Sharifs. “In a first, both PMs flew together in a chopper to Raiwind, home of PM Nawaz Sharif,” tweeted Vikas Swarup, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.
Prime Minister Modi also wished his Pakistani counterpart on his birthday.
This is the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Pakistan after assuming the office.He was accompanied by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
