UN Chief visits Pakistan

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-05-2009 14:45

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has begun his visit to Pakistan, as part of his tour of the region.

The UN Chief arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday night. His first meeting was with Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, left, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, right, are seen next to a portrait of Pakistan's slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during a joint press conference in  Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Ban called on Pakistan's government to "spare no efforts" to secure the release of kidnapped UN worker, John Solecki.

He was taken by gunmen as he travelled to work in the southwestern city of Quetta on Monday. Ban Ki-moon also met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.

He said after the meeting that he will establish an independent investigation into the killing of former prime minister Benazia Bhutto. He also urged Pakistan to heal its relationship with its neighbor India.

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General, said, "The cooperative and friendly relationship between India and Pakistan is not only beneficial for two countries but it will be very desirable for the peace and stability in this subcontinent. Therefore I would strongly urge again even though you have suffered because of this Mumbai terrorist attacks in your relationship with India, engage in composite dialogue as you have been very sincerely discussing all aspects of the bilateral relationship."