Mukhtar Ahmad reports from Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today exhorted the withdrawal of the travel advisories imposed by several European nations on Kashmir as "it was as safe to travel to as any other destination in the world'.  

Mufti highlighted the issue at a meeting with Michael Steiner, ambassador of Germany to India. The ambassador who called on the chief minister is on a three-day visit to the Valley.  

During their meeting, Mufti discussed with the German ambassador several issues of mutual interest, especially those related to increasing footprint of tourists to Kashmir from European countries, adopting best practices in solid waste management and developing skills through vocational training.   

Steiner, according to an official statement informed the chief minister that Germany officially recommends its citizens to travel to Kashmir. He offered to cooperate on changing the negative perception created about safety of tourists while visiting the valley.   Mufti also referred to the 'Jammu and Kashmir Travel Mart' that Kashmir is hosting for the first time since 1988. "Delegates from 20 countries are also participating in the Mart which I think should do a lot in changing perceptions back home on travelling to the Paradise on Earth,' he stated.