Aziz carries image of moderate Pakistan at WEF

Islamabad, Jan 24: Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz left here today for Davos to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) with an agenda to project his country's image as a growing economy, with moderate and forward-looking approach to achieve socio-economic targets.

"I will project Pakistan's importance in ensuring peace in the region as well as world and its forward-looking and investment friendly approach as a growing economy," he told reporters in Islamabad before leaving.

Aziz, who will lead Pakistan's delegation at the WEF meeting, said the event would be a get-together of major world leaders, entrepreneurs and heads of financial institutions and provide Pakistan an opportunity to project its views on various issues.

The Pakistani Prime Minister will be among the key speakers at the forum in several sessions including the West-Islamic Dialogue and the plenary sessions on Comprehensive Response to Terrorism and Stopping the Spread of Nuclear Weapons.

He will also participate in panel discussions on Women Empowerment and Education Reform and at the open forum on issues related to religion, peace and violence.

"These discussions will help Pakistan effectively put across its viewpoint on important issues of our times", Aziz added.

After attending the WEF meeting in Davos, he will also visit Belgium.

Giving details of his Belgium visit Aziz said, besides holding talks with his Belgian counterpart, he will also visit the European Union and NATO Council Headquarters in Brussels.

He said his meetings with EU officials will focus on enhanced trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and EU.

Aziz will also brief his interlocutors on the composite dialogue process with India, the Kashmir issue and development at home.

UNI