President Mamnoon Hussain has asked the High Commissioner-designate to South Africa to protect Pakistan’s national interests and promote bilateral political, economic and trade relations; while projecting the soft image of Pakistan. [...] The president called for looking after the interests of Pakistani diasporas in South Africa and other concurrently accredited countries. 

President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said Pakistan is home to rich cultural heritage and stressed that patronage of arts and literature can promote the country’s positive image abroad. The President expressed these views at the inauguration of an exhibition of Arabic calligraphy organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Mamnoon Hussain told diplomats that while acquainting themselves with challenges of the day, they should be ready to face the breaking news culture. He was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 34th Specialised Diplomatic Course at the Foreign Services Academy (FSA), on Monday. While giving details of the ceremony, a spokesperson said that the president was of the view that diplomats should also show their capability in public and economic diplomacy besides in international law and politics.