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Aseff briefs Kashmir

situation to Libyan team,

Ukrainian minister

ISLAMABAD: A 10-member economic delegation from Libya currently on a visit to Pakistan led by the Under Secretary for the Asian Affairs, Dr. Salem Ibrahim Bin Amir on Tuesday called on the Foreign Minister Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali at the Foreign Office.

Matters of mutual and common interest particularly relating to enhancement of cooperation between Pakistan and Libya in the economic fields were discussed. The Foreign Minister of Pakistan briefed the members of the Libyan delegation about the regional situation with the particular reference to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Libyan economic delegation is visiting Pakistan from August 20 to 24 to coordinate and follow up action on the decisions that had been taken at the 12th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting which was held in Islamabad in November, 1994.

The Libyan delegation has already called on the prime minister on August 20 and is scheduled to meet with Foreign Secretary Najmuddin A. Shaikh on Wednesday afternoon.

The Libyan delegation also called on the Secretary Board of Investment, Syed Mohibullah Shah on Tuesday.

The Secretary BoI, briefed the delegation about the new economic policy initiated by the Government that has stimulated flow of foreign investment into Pakistan in various sectors of the economy.

UKRAINIAN MINISTER

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister for Defence Shamrov Valery Nikalayevich called on Foreign Minister Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali at the Foreign Office and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

Aseff Ahmed Ali apprised the Ukrainian delegation of the situation in the South Asian region, particularly in Kashmir and described Pakistan's role in resolving problems of this region.

The Ukrainian Defence Minister said that Pakistan was the most influential country in the Muslim world and can play an important role. He expressed a keen desire to develop relations with Pakistan. He invited the foreign minister to visit Ukraine as a step towards further strengthening future relation.

KRYGHZ HERO'S ANNIVERSARY

Speaking at the 1000th anniversary of Kryghzstan's legendary hereo Manas, Aseff Ahmed Ali said Pakistan will work actively for peace and stability in the Central Asian states as it aspires to develop close cordial relationships with all of them.

"Pakistan aspires to develop strong relationship with all Central Asian states - and we will work actively for peace and stability in this area," he said.

He said Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto will also attend the anniversary of the traditional hero of Kryghzstan during her visit beginning on Wednesday.

"Pakistan played an important role in bringing about a ceasefire reconciliation in the unfortunate civil war in Tajikistan and the measure of Pakistan's successful diplomacy lies in the fact that all the parties - the opposition and the government had complete trust and faith in Pakistan as a country that stands for stability there."

Professor Ahmad Hassan Dani, in his scholary article, described the background of some epic stories that have been written about the legendary figure in the last 1000 years.

Ghazanfar Mehdi also described the importance of the place that Manas occupies in the cultural heritage of the Kryghzstan.-APP