US would encourage Indo-Pak talks,counterterrorism cooperation

Mark Toner said it's important that Pakistan does the utmost to prevent terrorists from carrying out acts of terror

The US has said that it would encourage greater dialogue and counterterrorism cooperation between India and Pakistan which is good for both countries.

"We would encourage greater dialogue and counterterrorism cooperation between both Pakistan and India. We've said that many times," State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters on Tuesday.

"It's for the good of both countries; it's for the good of the region. Frankly, it's for the benefit of the US," he said in response to a question and asked Pakistan to act firmly against terrorism.

"It's important that Pakistan do the utmost to prevent terrorists from carrying out acts of terror not just in Pakistan, but elsewhere in the region. So it's important that there's greater collaboration, greater dialogue," Toner said.

"We would encourage any effort in that regard," he said.