January 27, 2007	Saturday	Muharram 07, 1428

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DAVOS (Switzerland), Jan 26: Pakistan will be the venue of the regional World Economic Forum 2008. This was announced by World Economic Forum executive chairman Prof Klaus Sehwab when he called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz here on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Mr Aziz met Egyptian President Ahmed Nazif. They agreed to initiate negotiations to conclude a free trade agreement.

He also met former president of Iran Mohammad Khatami and discussed with him issues of mutual interest, especially the situation arising after sanctions clamped by the West on the country.

Both leaders agreed that peaceful and stable neighbourhood was critical for the welfare of the people of both countries. Mr Aziz reiterated

Pakistan’s stand on Iran’s nuclear issue and said Pakistan was against use of force to resolve the issue and favoured use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Also on Friday, addressing a press conference, the prime minister said Pakistan was not worried over the current move by legislators in the US to link aid to Pakistan to the weakening of Taliban resistance in Afghanistan. The move has no relation to Pakistan’s close economic and diplomatic cooperation with Iran and China.

Prime Minister Aziz said: “Pakistan enjoys friendly relations with both US and Iran. Pakistan’s national self-interest is at the heart of our relationship with other nations and our ties with one country are not at the cost of any other country.”Pakistan’s interaction with international players was very productive and provided the country with an opportunity to project it as an attractive destination for their future investment in the region.

“Pakistan has today positioned itself as one of the most promising responsible and liberal country of the region with GDP growth rate at seven per cent next to China and India,” Mr Aziz said.

Responding to a question on Pakistan’s formal relations with Israel, he said resolution of the Palestinian issue was imperative for recognition of Israel by Pakistan.

MISSING PEOPLE: Amnesty International secretary-general Irene Khan called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum here on Friday and conveyed her concern over the issue of missing people in Pakistan.

Ms Khan appreciated the gender reforms and legislation passed to improve the legal environment in a predominantly traditional society.

She also appreciated the role Pakistan played in the Human Rights Commission for protection of human rights in the world and expressed the hope that Pakistan would continue to play its role. She lauded the role being played by Pakistani NGOs in the field of human rights.