Nasheed praises development in Indo-Pak ties

He expressed the hope that all political parties in both the countries will applaud these "encouraging moves".

Nasheed, who assumed the Chairperson of the SAARC at this year`s summit here, recalled his statement in Thimpu on the need for India and Pakistan to compartmentalise their differences and find areas on which they can move forward. "18 months later India and Pakistan have held many discussions," he said.

Nasheed said in February, India and Pakistan agreed to restart peace talks on all issues. "In May, Indian parliamentarians visited Islamabad to advance the cause of peace. In July, Foreign Minister Rabbani Khar visited New Delhi. A month later, MPs from both countries met in India to continue deliberations. In September, Pakistani and Indian railway officials met to help boost connectivity and trade. And in the past few days, Pakistan improved trade links by deciding to grant India the status of Most Favoured Nation," he said.

"Today, the Pakistani and Indian Prime Ministers met in the lovely setting of the Shangri La in the Maldives," he noted.

Nasheed said the developments are extremely welcome. "I hope all political parties in India and Pakistan applaud these encouraging moves. I hope this summit will be enthused with optimism. And I hope both countries can work to resolve their core issues," he said.