Tuesday, September 19 2006 10:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: The United States has welcomed the reported agreement between leaders of India and Pakistan to discuss outstanding issues including Kashmir.

"Certainly, we welcome discussions between the two parties on issues of mutual concern," State Department Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey told reporters Monday.

"We have a good and important relationship with India. We have a good and important relationship with Pakistan. And we certainly welcome any efforts on the parts of leaders of both those countries to engage with one another and discuss any outstanding concerns," he added.