Sir: Pakistan and France have good diplomatic relations and these bilateral relations are strengthening with the passage of time as trade between the two countries is increasing. Prime Minister (PM) Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani is on his first four-day visit to France from May 3. It is being said that during PM Gilani’s visit, Pakistan and France are likely to sign a joint declaration on security cooperation and economic partnership. The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Federation of French Business Corporation and Pakistan Joint Business Council to establish Pakistan-France Joint Business Council is also expected. Pakistan has an important geo-political location in South Asia and is also a member of the OIC, while France is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Good bilateral relations between the two countries will further boost trade opportunities. Pakistan is already the second leading trade partner of France in South Asia. It is hoped that PM Yousaf Raza Gilani’s visit will strengthen ties between Pakistan and France. These business ties will also help Pakistan’s fragile economy, which Pakistan is in dire need of improving. HAFIZ MUHAMMAD IRFAN Islamabad