Thursday, April 28 2005 08:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Praising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the initiatives taken by him to improve relations with neighbouring countries, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan yesterday (Apr 27, 2005) said India and Pakistan must jointly fight terrorism in the region.

Annan laid emphasis on this during a 30-minute meeting with the Prime Minister who apprised him of the recent meetings with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and other Heads of State and Government.

Describing the meeting as "warm and cordial", Prime Minister's media adviser Sanjaya Baru said the two leaders spoke on the need for UN reforms.

"I applaud you for the initiatives you have taken to improve relations with your neighbours in a relatively short period of time," Annan said adding India and Pakistan "must jointly fight terrorism in the region".