SUKKUR, March 25 The ambassador of France to Pakistan, Daniel Jouanneau, has said that Pakistan is very rich in natural resources and Sindh has many historical places also, including Sukkur barrage.

He was talking to media persons in circuit house, Sukkur on Wednesday. He said though there was potential for investment and economic activities in Pakistan, but added security risks were also too high. Without naming any area, he said that, some places in the country were quite dangerous.

Mr Daniel said that being an Islamic country, people of Pakistan and government were taking good care of the minorities. He said that he visited Sindh University and Shah Abdul Latif University where he met with the students and discussed about their studies.

He said that France was already investing in Pakistan, which include pharmaceutical company in Karachi, a modern biscuit factory in Sukkur and in Lahore, as well. Different missions of France were working in different areas of Pakistan for the welfare of the people, he added.

On a question he said that not only Pakistan, but the whole world was facing challenges of terrorism. Lauding the role played by Pakistan army in war against terrorism, he said that Pakistan has sustained considerable loss in war against terrorism. However, he avoided to answer political questions.

Later, he also visited historical Sadh Belo temple situated on an island in River Indus.

DCO of Sukkur Asadullah Dharejo presented traditional Ajrak to the guest.

Our Hyderabad bureau adds The ambassador of France to Pakistan, Daniel Jouanneau and Consul General at Karachi, Pierre Seillan, met with the president of the Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shafique Ahmed Qureshi and other office bearers of the chamber and discussed matters of mutual interest.

Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador said that the relationship between France and Pakistan was based on solid footings and added that his country would do everything possible to help Pakistan in raising its image and facing the challenges. He said a meeting of the European Union was likely to be convened to provide funds to Pakistan.

The chamber president dwelt at length on the manufacturers of Hyderabad and Sindh specially glass bangles, carpets, handicrafts, readymade garments, textile, leather products, wood and marble works and requested the ambassador to help introduce these goods in the market of France.