MOSCOW

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday welcomed a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Zakharova said Russia hopes that the "emerging normalization" will prove to be long-lasting and sustainable.

"We welcome the agreement reached by New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate tensions. We expect that the normalization process will be long-term and sustainable. We view this as the primary condition for maintaining lasting peace and stability in the region," she said.

Zakharova expressed hope that the parties involved will continue to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation of the situation.

She also reaffirmed Russia's consistent advocacy for the resumption of dialogue and increased trust between India and Pakistan.

"We urge both states to settle their disputes through political and diplomatic channels on a bilateral basis," she said.