PM spoke to PM Modi today and congratulated him on his party’s electoral victory in Lok Sabha elections in India.… https://t.co/YcRMM5uxW0 — Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) 1558867459000

Reiterating his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia, the Prime Minister said he looked forward… https://t.co/Vhoem0aXr2 — Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) 1558867472000

(With agency inputs)

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NEW DELHI: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to congratulate him on on his party’s electoral victory in the Lok Sabha elections and expressed his desire for both the countries to work together for the betterment of their people.PM Modi on May 23 led the BJP to a landmark victory for a second five-year term in office, winning 302 seats in the Lok Sabha."The Prime Minister thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his telephone call and greetings," the ministry of external affairs said.Recalling his initiatives in line with his government's "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi referred to his earlier suggestion to Khan to fight poverty jointly, the MEA said."He stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region," it added.Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal in a tweet said that Imran Khan reiterated his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia , and said he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Modi to advance these objectives.Imran Khan had on May 23 congratulated Modi on his electoral triumph and expressed desire to work with him for peace and prosperity in the region."I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia," Khan tweeted in both English and Urdu.The results of India's general elections are very significant for Pakistan as the formation of the next government will determine the course of India-Pakistan ties, which were strained after the Pulwama terror attack in February.In April, Khan said he believed there may be a better chance of peace talks with India and settle the Kashmir issue if Modi's party BJP wins the general election.The MEA said Modi also received telephone calls from former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed and former prime minister of Nepal Madhav Nepal on his victory in the recent general election."Former president Nasheed congratulated the Prime Minister on the historic mandate and noted that the relationship between the Maldives and India had deepened in recent times," the MEA said.He stressed the importance of close cooperation to fight the forces of extremism and radicalisation in the region, it added.On his part, Modi thanked Nasheed for his felicitation and reiterated his commitment to continue fostering a strong, mutually beneficial and all-round partnership between the two countries.The MEA said Madhav Nepal warmly congratulated Modi on leading his party and alliance to a grand, historic and landslide victory.He also expressed the confidence that India's emergence as a front-ranking world power would qualitatively uplift the entire region.