Hope Nawaz Sharif's nod to invite will mark new start in ties: Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said he was glad that Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif has accepted the invitation to attend Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony as Prime Minister and hoped that this would mark a new beginning in Indo-Pak relations.

"Very glad to hear Pak PM has accepted invite, shows that he can prevail over forces inimical to good relations with India," Omar wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.com.

Abdullah said the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be closely watching the developments.

"I hope that this will mark a new beginning in ties between our two countries. The people of J&K will be watching closely," he said.

The Chief Minister also opined that the Modi-Sharif handshake will overshadow the presence of other foreign dignitaries attending Modi's swearing in ceremony on Monday.

"Can't help feel sorry for others taking oath or attending because the only photo op that will matter now will be the Modi-Sharif handshake," he said.

A spokesperson of the Pakistan Prime Minister Office and Foreign Ministry today confirmed that Sharif will travel to Delhi to attend Modi's oath taking ceremony on Monday.