WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday praised the "cricket diplomacy" between India and Pakistan after their leaders met for a game, saying that better ties between the rivals were in the world's interest.
"The expansion of dialogue between India and Pakistan is a welcome and encouraging development for both countries, for the region and for the world," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement. But while the United States voiced support for the dialogue, it said that future steps were up to the two countries.
"We continue to believe that talks should continue at a pace, time and scope of the two governments' choosing," Toner said.
"We applaud both leaders and their citizens for the creative initiative, warm spirit and friendly competition on display during the match," he said. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani to watch a World Cup match between the two nations on Wednesday, the first time a top Pakistani leader has visited since 2001. India broke off official contacts with Islamabad in 2008 after the Mumbai attacks, which India blamed on Pakistani militants who wrought carnage in the city over three days, killing 166 people.
The tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals have put the United States on a tight-rope. Washington is seeking a warmer relationship with India but also more stable ties with Pakistan, a frontline state in the global campaign on Islamic extremism. India won the match, played at a tightly guarded stadium in the north western city of Mohali.
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