ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the United States.
In a statement before his departure on a four-day official visit to the United States‚ the prime minister said that he will discuss enhancing bilateral trade and investment during meetings with US authorities.
The prime minister said that regional situation‚ including Afghanistan‚ will also be discussed with US officials.
This is his first official visit to US since he assumed office in June this year, and first of a Pakistani prime minister in five years.
During the visit, officials said that the prime minister is scheduled to meet US President Barack Obama on October 23. The two sides will hold wide-ranging talks besides discussing ways to strengthen relations in defence and economic sectors.
In addition to meeting with President Obama, the prime minister will also meet Vice President Biden and interact with Members of Congress. Senior US Government officials will also call on the prime minister, officials said.
The officials said that the PM will attend a business event organized by US-Pakistan Business Council, address the United States Institute of Peace and interact with the Pakistani-American community.