Gillani to visit Australia

Pakistan Prime Minister Makhdoom Yousuf Raza Gillani has tentatively agreed to visit Australia.

Islamabad, Apr.8 : Pakistan Prime Minister Makhdoom Yousuf Raza Gillani has tentatively agreed to visit Australia.

According to Pakistan and Australian papers, Gillani is said to have conveyed this to Australia's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Zorica McCarthy, when she met Mr Gilani in Islamabad on Monday.

An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman told the AAP news agency late Tuesday that a casual discussion about a possible visit had been held between the pair.

"They had some discussion about the possibility of the prime minister visiting Australia," the spokeswoman said.

Gillani has some relatives in Australia, the spokeswoman added.

Gillani told the Australian envoy that Pakistan attached priority to its relations with Australia and called for further enhancement of cooperation in all areas to further boost the bilateral relations.

He was all praise for Australian assistance during earthquake and floods. He also welcomed Australian desire to work on soft projects in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as well as their interest in possible support to education, health and agriculture sectors in the country.

Appreciating the role of Pakistan in combating terrorism, McCarthy extended her government's full support to confront the challenges.

She said her government was keen to work on soft projects in FATA besides cooperation in other sectors including health, education and agriculture. She also extended invitation to the prime minister to visit Australia.

ANI