Pakistan looking to make a 'new beginning' with India: Sharif

United Nations: Ahead of his meeting with Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Pakistan remains the epicentre of terrorism.

Singh, who met US President Barack Obama in White House today, said, "I look forward to meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif even though the expectations have to be lowered given the terrorist activities in the sub-continent."

Meanwhile, addressing the UN General Assembly, Sharif raked up the Kashmir issue calling for a solution of the problem in accordance with the UN resolutions on the matter. He said he was looking forward to it to make a "new beginning" and re-engage with India in a "substantive and purposeful dialogue."

"I am looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here in New York to make a new beginning. We have a solid basis to do that," Sharif said.

Sharif, who is scheduled to meet Singh on Sunday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, said: "We stand ready to re-engage with India in a substantive and purposeful dialogue."

A strong proponent of better ties with India, Sharif said, "Pakistan and India can prosper together; and the entire region would benefit from our cooperation."

"Our two countries have wasted massive resources in an arms race. We could have used those resources for the economic well-being of our people. We still have that opportunity," he said.

"I am committed to working for a peaceful and economically prosperous region. This is what our people want and this is what I have long aspired for," he added.