July 19, 2008	Saturday	Rajab 15, 1429

ISLAMABAD, July 18: Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq has said that Pakistan-US relations are in the mutual interest of both and the forthcoming US visit of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani would strengthen ties.

Talking to PTV, the spokesman said the visit would help remove certain misunderstandings and economic, defence and technical relations between the two countries would gain further momentum.

The prevailing economic conditions in the country under the impact of global rise in prices of energy and food stuff are of course a matter of worry for the government, he said, adding this area would also come under discussion.

Overall the general trend of the relations is positive and cooperation is increasing in all areas, he added.

The spokesman said border violations and build-up of Nato-led forces along the frontier is a serious matter and the government of Pakistan has already raised this issue at various forums.

The matter would be discussed with US authorities during the PM’s visit, he said. It is the issue of Pakistan’s sovereignty and it would be at top of the agenda, he added.—APP