Islamabad, May 10 (UNI) Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday expressed hope that talks would take place with India, in the aftermath of a global diplomatic push to ease tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

“If they (India) stop, so will we. We do not want destruction and waste of funds," Dar told Geo News.

“You know, both economies are different, but we generally want peace, without the hegemony of any country," Dar added.

"My recent interactions have been very positive, and I believe that the way for talks will be open now," he added.

This comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Dar and to Pakistan's Army Chief Asim

Munir, urging for de-escalation and direct communication between the two sides.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio “continued to urge both parties to find ways to de-escalate and offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts," said State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

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