MARDAN, April 24: A delegation of Islamabad-based foreign diplomats visited the Takht Bhai Buddhist archaeological site here the other day.

The Society of Asian Civilisations Pakistan had organised the trip and prominent archeologist and Vice Chancellor of Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Prof Dr Ihsan Ali briefed the delegation about the historical background of the area and how excavations were made there by the British and Pakistani authorities.

Talking to this correspondent, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Choi Chong Ju, said he was very impressed by the preservation of these Buddhist sites. He said that relations between Pakistan and South Korea were based on solid footings and both the countries had potential to face new challenges.

Ms Lucia Adam Nayar of Spain said that historical places located in different parts of Pakistan were of great value, but local people knew little about their value.

She suggested the Pakistani government to hire high-class expertise of the world for explorations of historical places across the country.

She pointed out that Pakistan and Spain had been enjoying good relations, which would improve with the passage of time.

Prof Z. A. Qureshi, president of the Society of Asian Civilizations Pakistan, said that the purpose of such kind of cultural study tours was to build strong cultural, social and educational relations between Pakistan and other countries.

He said that direct and friendly interaction with foreigners while visiting different historical and cultural places in the country could help improve relations between the people of Pakistan and other countries. The diplomats also visited the Gandahara Research Center and different faculties in Abdul Wali Khan University.