ISLAMABAD, March 12: President Gen Pervez Musharraf directed the Foreign Office and Pakistan's missions abroad on Friday to promote Pakistan's strategic, economic and political interests with zeal, commitment and passion.

The President gave these instructions while outlining government's priorities and sharing his foreign policy vision with the professional diplomats during his three-hour-long meeting at the Foreign Office.

Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri, Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokar, senior military officials and ambassadors were present during the meeting.

In his address, the President outlined his government's foreign policy priorities and "shared his vision with the officers on how to implement decisions impinging on Pakistan's vital interests," said a press release.

During the visit to the Foreign Office, President Musharraf held indepth discussions with the officials on Pakistan's relations with world powers and global economic and political alliances and how to meet the challenge of rapidly evolving global order.

President Musharraf said Pakistan's relations with key nations, regions, and international organizations had seen a turnaround during the past four years.

The president said Pakistan had strong relations with the US, European Union, China, the Central Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia. With Russia, he said, a deliberate effort had been made to improve relations. A composite dialogue with India had been started and Pakistan was actively participating in the deliberations of the UN and OIC, he added.

The President said that in addition to the strategic and political spheres, the country's ambassadors should use their expertise and experience to promote foreign investment, increase exports, and project Pakistani culture. He said Pakistani envoys should demonstrate more leadership, drive and initiative in these areas.

A source said the issues of nuclear non-proliferation, Pakistan's Kashmir policy and the forthcoming visit of US Secretary of state, Colin Powell, also came under discussion among other topics.

Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan neither confirmed nor denied when asked if the forthcoming visit of Mr Powel was discussed. "The President shared his vision and outlined steps for implementation," he said.

The press release said the President commended the professionalism of Pakistani diplomats working at home and abroad and underlined that they should use their capabilities to meet new challenges.

The President asked Foreign Office professionals to build on these foundations and facilitate full utilization of Pakistan's economic and commercial potential.