Islamabad: Pakistan today (November 12) welcomed Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statement in Moscow that India is not against holding talks with Islamabad.

"This is positive development and we welcome it", Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali told reporters at an Iftar reception.

He said such an attitude could promote relations between the two countries.

Vajpayee, who is on a three-day visit to Moscow, said India, would continue with the "step-by-step" process of normalisation of diplomatic and other links with Pakistan.

It was incorrect to say that India rejected talks with Pakistan, he said, adding, "India remains committed to discussing all outstanding issues with Pakistan peacefully through bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, both of which are bilateral agreed documents."

PTI