Sharif says will pick up threads of ties from Vajpayee's rule

New Delhi, May 26: Arriving here with a "message of peace",

Prime Minister

today said that he intends to pick up the threads with India's new leader Narendra Modi from where he and then Prime Minister Atal Bihari

left off in 1999.

Sharif, who is in the national capital on a overnight stay to attend the swearing in of Modi as Prime Minister, arrived here from Lahore where he said he was going to New Delhi with a "message of peace". Later, speaking here, the Pakistan Prime Minister said both governments have a strong mandate and this could help in "turning a new page in our relations".

Sharif will have a bilateral meeting with Modi tomorrow during which the two sides are expected to discuss ways to enhance cooperation.

"This is the same BJP's Prime Minister Vajpayee for whom I have the greatest of respect. I intend taking up threads from where Vajpayee and I left off in 1999," he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The Pakistan leader also said that this was a chance to reach out to each other while noting that no two nations have ever possessed so much cultural and traditional similarities as India and Pakistan. "Why not turn the similarities into our strength. I very much look forward to meeting Mr Modi. We should remove fears mistrust and misgivings about each other," he was quoted as saying.

Both countries should rid the region of instability and security that has plagued it for decades, he added. Sharif's visit is seen as significant by political observers here given that hardline elements in Pakistan have expressed their unhappiness over his responding to the invitation positively.

Sources said it is expected that the Pakistan leader will also extend a formal invitation to Modi for a visit. No breakthrough is expected during the visit but it will provide the two leaders an opportunity to cultivate personal relations which may go a long a way in reducing tensions.

PTI