WASHINGTON, Oct 19 (DNA): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday left for the United States on three-day official visit aimed at holding wide-ranging talks with President Obama administration. The prime minister has reached London where he will stay for one day.Foreign Office Spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah, in a statement said during the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions on wide-ranging areas of bilateral interest with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and various Cabinet members.

The two sides are expected to review the current state of Pakistan-US relations and identify new areas for future bilateral cooperation to further expand and enrich the canvas of this partnership. The Prime Minister will also interact with members of the US Senate and the House of Representatives.

Nawaz Sharif is accompanied by Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. First lady Begum Kalsoom Nawaz and daughter Maryam Nawaz are also accompanying the Prime Minister during his visit.

Officials said the Prime Minister, in his meeting with US President Barack Obama, will also highlight the issues of Indian aggression and Afghan peace process besides talks to strengthen economic and defense ties with Washington.

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s agenda in the talks with President Obama will focus on strengthening bilateral economic and defense relations, economic cooperation, Afghanistan, India and overall security challenges faced by Pakistan,” an official said, adding that India’s designs to destabilize Pakistan will be presented during the talks.

The US assistance to strengthen the overall common security challenges in the region will also come under discussion, he said.

Nawaz Sharif will address a potential audience of investors consisting of major U.S companies CEOs and investors on Oct 21. He will apprise them about the investment friendly policies of the government, trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister will also share with the community leaders positive economic indicators from international financial organizations.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Pakistan Business Council has arranged this investment conference and approximately 200 investors and CEOs of major U.S. companies will attend.

PM Nawaz will also address the Pakistan American community in the evening, of the day he arrives.

The Prime Minister will also meet important members of U.S. Senate and U.S Congress including Chairmen of Senate and House Foreign Relations Committees.

The co-chair of Pakistan Caucus in the United States Congress Sheila Jackson has already introduced a resolution in the congress welcoming the Prime Minister in the United States and commending him for his vision to bring Pakistan on the right track of sound economic development, improved law and order situation and combating terrorism.

The resolution has been made part of permanent congressional record.

U.S. Secretary Foreign Affairs John Kerry, Secretary Treasury, Secretary Defense and other secretaries of major departments will also call on the Prime Minister during his short visit. =DNA
==============