Look forward to meeting you in New York, Sharif tells Manmohan

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said the people of his country aspire to "promote friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly" ties with India and he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New York.

In an Independence Day message, the Pakistan prime minister said it is Islamabad's "desire to turn a fresh page in our bilateral relations".

Extending Independence day greetings to the people of India, Sharif also thanked Manmohan Singh for the felicitations extended on Pakistan's Independence Day that was celebrated Wednesday.

His message read: "The people of Pakistan aspire to promote friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations between our two countries. I would like to reiterate that it is in our common interest to work closely to achieve our shared goals of peace and prosperity in the region. I look forward to our meeting in New York to discuss issues of mutual interest. It is our desire to turn a fresh page in our bilateral relations."

"I wish you health and happiness and extend warm wishes for your well being and prosperity of the people of India."

Relations between India and Pakistan have taken a hit after the killing of five Indian soldiers last week by Pakistani troops on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has asked the government to call off talks with Pakistan, including the prime minister-level talks scheduled to be held in New York in September.