03 August 2004	Tuesday	16 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

SKARDU, Aug 2: Italy has close relations with Pakistan and it would contribute in the development of the Northern Areas, says Italian Minister for Agriculture and Forest Giavinno Allemanno.

He was speaking during the concluding ceremony of the 50th anniversary celebrations of K2's first conquest. A large number of foreign tourists and local politicians witnessed the ceremony in which certificates were distributed by the Italian minister among Pakistani climbers who scaled the peak above 8,000-metre mark.

Mr Allemanno said that Italy would continue to strive for closer ties between the people of his country and Pakistan. He said that Italy and Pakistan would jointly work for the promotion of tourism in the area.

"There is much work to do to conserve world's unique treasures," he said, adding that there was a need to work properly to save these treasures. The minister said that his meetings with authorities in Islamabad, especially President Gen Pervez Musharraf would further help promote tourism in the Northern Areas.

He said that national parks would be established to preserve nature besides giving people more opportunities and information about the area. "We are firmly convinced that information is the basis for all the work we have to accord in future ... and continued efforts are needed to ... provide more opportunities to youth and to all people involved with tourism," he said.

He said that Italy would work on development projects involving the people of Baltistan. He invited Pakistani officials to visit Italy to further cement the already friendly relationship between the two countries.

Prominent Pakistani mountaineer Nazir Sabir also spoke on the occasion. Imran Nadeem, advisor for tourism, highlighted the tourism potential of the Northern Areas.

Chief Secretary of the Northern Areas Fareed Khan Wazir said that the atmosphere was conducive for tourism in the Northern Areas as the law and order situation was completely under control.

The administration of Northern Areas later feted the Italian Minister and mountaineers. Earlier, Mr Allemanno on Sunday vowed that the Italian government would revive cultural ties with Pakistan to boost eco-tourism and mountaineering in the Northern Areas.

He was speaking during the foundation-laying stone ceremony of the Skardu Expedition Museum here. He said that the museum would symbolize the friendship between Pakistan and Italy.

He lauded the successful K2 Golden Jubilee celebrations and paid tributes to Italian climbers who scaled the 'killer mountain' 50 years after it was scaled for the first time, saying their participation had infused greater enthusiasm.

Tourism, he said, could serve as an attraction for investment besides it had the potential to become a source of income for Pakistan. "Pakistan could earn massive foreign exchange through eco- tourism ... It should take good care of mountains", he said. A friendly polo match was also organized between Italy and Pakistan. -APP