India, Pak share a number of important interests: US

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Feb 12 (PTI) Encouraged by the possibility of
talks between India and Pakistan, the Obama Administration has
said the two south Asian neighbours share a number of
important interests -- from tackling terrorism to encouraging
trade.
Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P J
Crowley, however, said it was for both countries to decide on
their future course of action.
"We have always encouraged dialogue between Pakistan and
India. Of course, this is a decision for both countries to
make on their own," Crowley said at his daily press briefing.
But in our various discussions with leaders from Pakistan
and India, we have long encouraged them to resume the kind of
dialogue that the two countries have had at various times in
the past, he said.
Crowley said India and Pakistan are two important
neighbours in south Asia and share a number of interests in
the region.
"Well, you know, these are two very important countries.
They're neighbours. They share a number of important
interests; you know, fighting terrorism on the one hand,
encouraging trade on the other".
So I think if we can, to the degree that India and
Pakistan can cooperate, can have peaceful dialogue, can
develop opportunities between the countries, that can only
help in the broader regional context of including, our joint
efforts on security in south Asia, he added. PTI