U.S. President Barack Obama called Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday and lauded Pakistan's efforts to improve relations with Afghanistan, the Foreign Ministry said.

Discussing the regional situation, the prime minister referred to the improvement of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, as manifested in Afghani President Ashraf Ghani's recent visit to Islamabad.

"The U.S. president appreciated the prime minister's efforts in this regard and called it pivotal for the peace and stability in the region," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

Sharif referred to his visit to India earlier this year, which was aimed at taking Pakistan-India relations forward.

He also urged Obama to take up Kashmir issue with the Indian leadership in his upcoming visit to India, as its early resolution would bring enduring peace, stability and economic cooperation to Asia.

The prime minister informed the U.S. president about the cancellation of the high level diplomatic talks in August as well as the "unprovoked firing" across the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region and along the Working Boundary, which resulted in civilian casualties.

"The prime minister indicated that India was averse to normalization of relations with Pakistan. Thus, while we remain open to the resumption of bilateral dialogue, the onus is on India to create a conducive environment in this regard," the statement quoted Sharif as telling the U.S. president.

"President Obama expressed his understanding for our position," the Foreign Ministry said.

The two leaders agreed to stay engaged to further strengthen Pakistan-U.S. relations in their common desire to promote peace and prosperity in South Asia, the statement said.

Both the leaders discussed the Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations and the evolving situation in the region, and Sharif expressed satisfaction at the direction of Pakistan-U.S. relations which were on an upward trajectory since his government came to power last year.

Obama noted that Pakistan-U.S. relations were strong and robust, adding he was pleased to see that the Pakistani government had determined the right economic priorities and was successfully overcoming the challenges, the statement said.

Obama informed the prime minister of his forthcoming visit to India, while Nawaz Sharif recalled his invitation extended in Washington to the U.S. president.

"The prime minister conveyed the expectation of the people of Pakistan to welcome President Obama to Pakistan sometime in the future. The president also assured the prime minister that he would undertake a visit to Pakistan at an early date, as soon as the situation normalizes in the country." Endit

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