PARIS, (DNA) – A two-member Pakistani delegation comprising Syed Junaid Akhlaq, Director General Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums and Mr. Zafar Ali Secretary Culture, Tourism & Archaeology of Balouchistan met the Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mr. Moin ul Haque here in Paris yesterday.

Mr. Andre De Bussy, Counselor Cultural & Cooperation of the French Embassy in Islamabad was also present on the occasion.

The Ambassador briefed the delegation about Pakistan-France cultural relations and various initiatives being taken to further strengthen cooperation in this area. He welcomed the proposed MOU between National History and Literary Heritage Division of Pakistan and Mussee Guimet of France in this regard.

The Ambassador noted Pakistan rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Currently Pakistan has six UNESCO World Heritage sites and efforts were being made to inscribe more cultural and natural sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Later, Director General Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums and Secretary Cultural, Tourism & Archaeology of Baluchistan briefed the Ambassador on steps taken by the Federal and Baluchistan governments to promote culture, develop new museums and protect and preserve archaeological treasures of Pakistan.

The two-member Pakistani cultural delegation is on a 7-day visit to France organized by the Embassy of France to Pakistan. During its stay, the delegation will hold discussions with the officials of French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Management of Guimet Museum and archeological experts besides visiting historical and cultural sites of France.