ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz has welcomed the announcement made by the governments of the United States and the Republic of Cuba to re-open embassies.

He added that it would help promote friendly relations between the two cold-war rivals and their people. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were terminated in 1961.

Yesterday, a short ceremony at the Cuban Foreign Ministry ended 54 years of tensions that began during the Eisenhower administration. Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the chief of mission at the US Interests Section, had delivered the note.

Take a look: US, Cuba restore diplomatic ties

"Pakistan had welcomed the momentous announcement by the two countries in December last year to re-establish diplomatic relations," said Aziz.

Being on friendly terms with of both countries, Pakistan believes that further steps towards full normalisation of relations will also promote the cause of peace and harmony in the region added Aziz.

He wished both governments success as they moved forward in this direction.

PM meets CM Gilgit-Baltistan

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met the recently sworn in Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman today at the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Nawaz said that the mandate given by the people of GB to Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) requires steps to be taken on a priority basis to improve the standard of living of the people in the region, with special emphasis laid on health, education and infrastructure development.

"Gilgit-Baltistan's government should ensure that people are provided a corruption free governance," said the premier.

Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, on the occasion thanked PM Nawaz and stressed upon the fact that he would try to make GB a role model of development and prosperity in line with the PM’s wishes and PML-N’s manifesto.

This was Rehman's first courtesy call to the premier after assuming his new office.

Governor of GB Chaudhry Muhammad Barjees Tahir and Political Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Asif Kirmani also joined the meeting and discussed political and administrative matters related to GB.