ISLAMABAD, Dec 6: Acting President Mohammedmian Soomro has appreciated the keen interest of Prince Karim Aga Khan in the socio-economic development of Pakistan. Mr Soomro was talking to the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, who had called on him on Monday.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtyar and senior officials of the foreign ministry were present during the meeting. The Aga Khan briefed the acting president on the setting up of an educational city in Karachi.

Matters of mutual interest also came under discussion during the meeting. They exchanged views on the promotion of education and social sectors and restoration of art and cultural heritage of Pakistan.

They underlined the need for involving overseas Pakistanis in the promotion of tourism sector. Later, the US Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker called on Mr Soomro. The US envoy informed Mr Soomro that the US government was providing education facilities to Pakistani students.

Lauding the US initiative, the acting President underlined the need to provide training facilities to Pakistani officials in public administration, taxation and other fields. Mr Soomro expressed the hope that during the ambassador's tenure, Pakistan-US relations in various fields would further strengthen.