UNITED NATIONS/ WASHINGTON: The United Nations and the United States welcomed Thursday’s joint statement of India and Pakistan to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region, saying it was a “positive step” towards peace and stability in South Asia.

Soon after India and Pakistan announced their decision to stop cross-border firing, the United Nations General Assembly President, Volkan Bozkir of Turkey, said he welcomes the agreement that demonstrates the values of UNGA.

“I wholeheartedly welcome today's ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Their stated commitment to achieve sustainable peace through addressing each other's core issues and concerns sets an example for other countries and demonstrates UNGA values,” he said in a statement read out by his spokesman Brenden Varma at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.