ISLAMABAD, July 20: Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Tuesday underscored the need for enhancing bilateral relations with Maldives in all fields. He was talking to Maldivian Foreign Minister Fathulla Jameel who paid a courtesy call on him. The foreign ministers of Bangladesh and Bhutan also met the premier.

The foreign ministers are in Islamabad in connection with the 25th meeting of the Saarc Council of Ministers. The prime minister discussed with Mr Jameel matters relating to Saarc, bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments.

He extended Pakistan's support for Maldives' efforts for protection of environment. He emphasized that in order to achieve the Saarc objective of poverty alleviation, there was a need to focus on regional cooperation in energy, communication and transport sectors.

BD & BHUTANESE FMs: During his meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Morshed Khan, the prime minister said that to give fresh impetus to regional cooperation "we must give attention to evolving regional mechanisms for promoting CBMs, preventive diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes".

Mr Khan briefed the prime minister about the preparations being undertaken by Bangladesh to host the 13th Saarc summit in Dhaka early next year. Chaudhry Shujaat, during his meeting with Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangehuk, said that promotion of peace and security in South Asia would contribute to overall regional economic development. The prime minister conveyed his greetings and best wishes for King Jigme Singye Wangchuk of Bhutan. -APP