Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz Sunday embarked on a five-day visit to Germany and Italy to discuss bilateral issues with leadership of both the countries. Germany and Italy are among large economies of the world and founding members of the European Union, G-8 and Nato. During his visit to the two European countries, the prime minister, who is accompanied by businessmen, will raise the issue of access to European markets for Pakistani products. During his stay in Germany, the prime minister will hold formal talks with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder with focus on enhancing bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation. The regional and global issues of mutual interest, including Kashmir, the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan, will also come up for discussion. The prime minister's itinerary also includes a roundtable conference with top German businessmen and meetings with representatives of industrial giants like Daimler Chrysler, Metro and Siemens besides addressing leading German bankers. He will also deliver an address on "Pakistan's role in the promotion of regional stability and development" at the Bertelsmann Foundation. During his stay in Italy from July 13 to July 15, the prime minister will hold discussions with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, President of Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and other political and business leaders. Aziz will return home on July 15.
