ISLAMABAD, July 31: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani returned here on Thursday after his official visit to the United States.

He was received at the PAF Base Chaklala by Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Tariq Majeed, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Minister for Kashmir and Northern Areas Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Law Farooq H. Naek and senior officials.

Earlier talking to reporters at the Manchester airport where he made a brief stopover on his way back home, the prime minister said that ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty was a major focus during his talks with the US leadership.

“Whether President Bush or (Barack) Obama, everyone in meetings talked about respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty,” he said.

Mr Gilani termed the visit successful and said the US had assured Pakistan of its support for democracy and sovereignty.

He said the Capitol Hill had its role in restoring democracy in Pakistan as many US senators actively raised voice for ending dictatorship in the country. He said that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers had expressed their support for upholding Pakistan’s sovereignty.

The prime minister said his government believed in the policy of trade rather than aid with the United States and this would strengthen ties between the two countries.

Asked if the visit had removed misconceptions on certain issues, Mr Gilani said that interaction developed mutual understanding. “In politics, bridges are required to be made, instead of erecting walls. Pakistan and the United States have been enjoying bilateral relations for six decades. With more interactions, misunderstandings if any could be resolved,” he said, adding that the relationship would now be strengthened on new terms of “peace and prosperity through partnership”.

Talking to reporters onboard his aircraft, the prime minister said he had told the US leadership that “Pakistan army is highly professional, best in the world and supports democracy in the country”.

Talking to reporters onboard PM’s aircraft, Information Minister Sherry Rehman rejected a perception that Pakistan had not taken up the issue of Nato missile attacks with the Unites States.

“Of course, the issue of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity was raised during the meeting between Prime Minister Gilani and President Bush,” she said, adding that it was out of question that a serious issue of national importance be left out without discussion with the US leadership.

“That’s why President Bush in his joint press conference with Prime Minister Gilani categorically mentioned about US’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty,” she said.—APP