ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday welcomed an agreement between the militaries of Pakistan and India to restore ceasefire along their disputed border in Kashmir.
Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between Pakistan and India as both claim the region in full but rule in part. Tensions increased in August 2019, after New Delhi withdrew the region's autonomy and split it into federally administered territories. In recent months, cross-border firing has become frequent, often killing or maiming people living in the area.
On Thursday, however, the military operations heads of nuclear-armed neighbors said in a joint statement that they had agreed to discuss each other's concerns that could disturb peace and lead to violence along the Line of Control (LoC). The announcement has been seen as restoring a ceasefire agreement from 2003.
"UAE has close historical ties with the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and that it commends the efforts of the two countries to reach this achievement," the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement on Sunday.
"This is an important step towards achieving security, stability and prosperity in the region," it said, adding that "adhering to a permanent ceasefire between the two friendly countries in Kashmir to the benefit of both sides."
The UAE also urged dialogue between the two South Asian countries to "build bridges of confidence and establish a lasting peace."
On Saturday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said in series of tweets that Islamabad was ready to resolve all issues with New Delhi through dialogue.
“We have always stood for peace & remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue,” Khan said, as he also the restoration of ceasefire along the LOC.
