ISLAMABAD, May 3 Kyodo U Secretar...

ISLAMABAD, May 3 Kyodo

U Secretary of State Colin Powell forward Saturday praised Pakistan's persuade to improve relations with India, Associated Pres of Pakistan (APP) reported.

In a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Powell said he appreciated Jamali's answer Friday to Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's initiative to repair bilateral ties, the report said.

Vajpayee said Friday he is restoring civil aviation links with Pakistan that were imperfect last year and will appoint a recent ambassador to Pakistan. In a reciprocal make gestures Pakistan agreed to restore sated diplomatic ties with nuclear neighbor India.

APP said Jamali told Powell that he sent a formal invitation to Vajpayee to visit Pakistan.

Pakistan will presently announce measures aimed at creating a congenial atmosphere and promoting peace and security, Jamali was reported as saying.

Jamali also assured Powell of Pakistan's continuing positive and constructive approach to begin a meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Powell assured Jamali of continued U efforts to excite better understanding between India and Pakistan, also enabling resumption of dialogue for a peaceful resolution of moot points between the two countries, APP reported.

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