ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Thursday directed the Foreign Office to project country’s soft image through the public diplomacy and people-to-people contacts,

The PM has also underscored the need of cultural exchanges and promotion of trade the world over.

He expressed these views at the Foreign Office where he was given a detailed briefing by Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary Foreign Affairs and the relevant senior officials on the country’s foreign policy.

The ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday also briefed the heads of diplomatic missions on the foreign policy priorities of the government.

During the briefing, Khar reiterated the foundation for Pakistan’s continued pursuit of its key foreign policy goals on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit, non-interference and peaceful settlement of all issues.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Afghanistan Muhammad Umer Daudzai called on Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at the Foreign Office today.

Sources said, Khar informed the Ambassador that the Prime Minister of Pakistan had accepted the invitation of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and was expected to visit Kabul in the near future.

According to officials, she would lead the Pakistan delegation to the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan being held on 8th July 2012. – CNBC/AGENCIES