India has political will to transform ties: Singh

NEW DELHI (Agencies) - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the South Asian nation wants to build close ties of friendship and partnership with neighbouring Pakistan.
“The ushering in of democracy in Pakistan opens new opportunities for us to work together to bring the fruits of peace, prosperity and development to our region by developing the close and cooperative ties that should be normal between two neighbours,” Singh said in a message to Asif Ali Zardari, who was elected president of Pakistan on Saturday.
The Indian government wants to build ties ‘between our countries that respond to the aspirations of our two peoples’, Singh said in a statement issued by his office.
Singh congratulated Zardari on his election as Pakistan president, calling it a chance to transform relations between the rival nations.
“We have the political will to work with you to seize these opportunities and transform our relations. In your new office, you will find a friend in India.”
Singh added: “Please accept my heartiest felicitations on your election ... Please accept my best wishes for your success, good health and well-being in the service of the people of Pakistan.”
Following is text of the message:
"Please accept my heartiest felicitations on your election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
As you assume this high office, I convey to you the desire of the Government and people of India to build close ties of friendship and partnership between our countries that respond to the aspirations of our two peoples.
The ushering in of democracy in Pakistan opens new opportunities for us to work together to bring the fruits of peace, prosperity and development to our region by developing the close and cooperative ties that should be normal between two neighbours.