DAVOS, Jan 29: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

Mr Putin is reported to have informed Mr Gilani about the role played by his government in defusing Pakistan-India tensions in the wake of the Mumbai attacks.

Prime Minister Gilani praised the positive role played by Russia, and said that Islamabad had offered to cooperate with New Delhi in investigating the terrorist attacks.

He said Pakistan was carrying out its own investigation and its findings would be shared with India.

The two leaders agreed that the Pakistan-Russia strategic dialogue should be expanded and the two countries should enhance cooperation in several areas, particularly defence and economy.

Also on Thursday, Prime Minister Gilani hosted a lunch for leading businessmen and told them that the elected government led by his Pakistan People’s Party would ensure a safe environment for all foreign investors.

“Investing in Pakistan is investing in future,” Mr Gilani said. The country’s liberal economic regime, with zero import duty on raw material, provided equal opportunities for local and foreign businessmen.

“Despite all the challenges, our economy continues to be buoyant and vibrant,” the prime minister said, adding that the country’s workforce was fairly skilled and quite capable.

Speaking about the WTO, he said Pakistan would be supporting substantial reduction in tariffs.—APP