By NNN-APP,
On Board Prime Mnister’s Special Plane : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said his US visit is aimed at expanding strategic and bilateral ties between the two countries.
Talking to reporters aboard his special plane on way to London from where he will travel to US, he said besides holding talks with the US President George Bush, ROZs in tribal areas will also be discussed.
The visit, he added, will also focus on trade and education.
He categorically stated that Pakistan was fighting the war against terrorism in its own interest and it was the primary responsibility of the state to protect the lives and property of its people.
The Prime Minister referred to the three-pronged strategy of development, dialogue and use of force as the last resort to counter the menace of terrorism.
He made it clear that any one challenging the writ of the government will be dealt with forcefully.
Gilani said that he is likely to meet the US presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain as Pakistan also want to develop people to people contact with the US besides expanding relations at government level.
He said while there is a change in the leadership at the top level, the US policies remain bi-partisan and consistent.
Replying to a question if he will also make the US government realize about the dividends of democracy in Pakistan, he said they already have that realization.
The Prime Minister said after intelligence sharing with NATO and allied troops, it is the Pakistani forces which take action on ‘actionable information.’
Later, Information Minister Sherry Rehman told reporters that the theme of the visit is 3 Ps – Peace and Prosperity through Partnership.
She said this is the first visit of any democratically elected Prime Minister to the US in a long time.