ISLAMABAD: The prime ministers of Pakistan and India stressed the need for peaceful and friendly bilateral ties on Tuesday after Narendra Modi called Nawaz Sharif to extend Ramazan greetings.

The conversation took place against the backdrop of hostile statements made by the Indian leader and some of his cabinet`s members against Pakistan.

`He reiterated to Prime Minister Sharif his message of peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations bet-ween the two countries,` the Indian ministry of external affairs said.

According to Prime Minister Sharif`s of fice, the conversation lasted five minutes.

Mr Sharif told his Indian counterpart that the two countries should put aside their differences and move towards peace for the sake of their people.

`Our bilateral differences should not be allowed to become obstacle in the way of normal relations,` he was quoted as having said.

Mr Sharif had last week, at a conference of envoys posted in countries in the region, criticised India for not reciprocating his peace gestures, but added: `We will continue our quest for a peacefulneighbourhood.

Mr Modi also called Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Afghan President Dr Ashraf Ghani to greet them on the occasion.

F I S H E R M E N ` S RELEASE: As a goodwill gesture, the Indian premier also announced the release of Pakistani fishermen detained in India. `Also conveyed to PM Sharif our decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion. The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month, Mr Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister NawazSharif also ordered the release of Indian fishermen languishing in Pakistani jails.

APP adds: US Secretary of State John Kerry also phoned Prime Minister Sharif and lauded his commitment to establishing a peaceful South Asia.

According to a statement issued by PM Office, Mr Kerry praised the prime minister`s counter-terrorism policy.

Nawaz Sharif said Islamabad was keen to expand ties with Washington. He referred to a national consensus in Pakistan against terrorism.

Mr Sharif said there were opportunities for foreign investors to benefit from investor-friendly policies of his government.