ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani departed on a five-day visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

PM’s visit aims at widening the scope of strategic dialogue with the United Kingdom, enhancing mutual trade and public-to-public contact between the two nations.

Talking to newsmen at Chaklala Airport prior to departure, PM Gilani said that he would bring to discussion, in his talks with the British officials, matters pertaining to investment, trade, culture and contact between the publics of the two countries.

Moreover, he will insist on increasing the volume of mutual trade to about 2.5 billion Pounds within the next three years, he added.

The premier said that Pakistan seeks the cooperation of the United Kingdom in the area of elementary education.

PM informed that United Kingdom is undertaking a program investing 650 million Pounds in the arena of elementary education in Pakistan.

In reply to a question about the Afghan problem, the Prime Minister told the media that the United Kingdom was a prominent member of NATO and he would reaffirm Pakistan’s concerns about peace and stability in Afghanistan.

PM Gilani said that he would hold meetings with British ministers, Members of British Parliament, and leader of the opposition in the British Parliament.

Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, and Interior Minister Rehman Malik are also on tour with him.

Before departure, federal ministers and members of Pakistan’s parliament bid him a warm farewell.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shameem Wynne and Chief of Air Staff, Tahir Rafiq Butt was also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, the government’s spokesperson clarified that the delegation going to visit London comprises twelve members only and the news that the delegation had 70 members was only hearsay.

Before this statement, the media spread the news about the list containing names of seventy persons who were said to be part of the delegation.

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