New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday said it was his sincere hope that New Delhi and Islamabad will resolve all outstanding issues peacefully.

The outgoing president, in a message of greetings to his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of India's Independence Day, said he hoped both countries would also be able to "address the common challenges of ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our peoples".

He said Pakistan "remains committed to the improvement of relations with India".

"Pakistan remains committed to the improvement of relations with India. It is my sincere hope that we would be able to resolve all outstanding issues between our two countries peacefully, and address the common challenges of ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our peoples," Zardari said.

"Please accept, excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," he said in the message.

Relations between India and Pakistan have taken a hit after the killing of five Indian soldiers last week by Pakistani troops on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.