Prime Minister Gilani heads to London for talks

Talking to the media at PAF Chaklala Airbase in Islamabad today before departure‚ he said promotion of strategic dialogue is the important component of his visit to the United Kingdom. Mr. Gilani said that the main focus of our talks would be on the Strategic cooperation with the United Kingdom. He said the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue will provide an opportunity to identify ways and means to further raise the level of cooperation in the various areas of mutual concern.He said he is visiting Britain on the invitation of the Prime Minister David Cameron and will meet the leadership and the Opposition leaders of that country.He said talks will also be held on cooperation in the spheres of investment‚ trade‚ culture and people to people contacts. He said our trade will increase to the tune of 2.5 Billion Pounds till 2015. He said UK is the second largest partner in trade in the Europe with Pakistan. UK is seeking EU and GSP Plus status for Pakistan.The Prime Minister also acknowledged Britains contributions in the education sector of Pakistan. He said UK would provide 650 million pounds for enhancement of education in Pakistan and to tackle academic levels between the two countries.Mr. Gilani said UK would also provide assistance for the health sector in Pakistan.Prime Minister Gilani will also have interactions with British Parliamentarians‚ Members of the Cabinet‚ prominent British businessmen‚ investors and the media.The Prime Minister will also address a community gathering and lay the foundation stone of the Consular Hall in the High Commission.Federal Ministers Qamar Zaman Kaira‚ Hina Rabbani Khar‚ Hafeez Sheikh and Rehman Malik are accompanied the Prime Minister during his visit to the Britain.Earlier Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani was seen off at the Chaklala air base by the cabinet members and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Army Staff General Khalid Shameem Wayyne and other high ranking officials.