The following is the text of the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Departure Statement made just before leaving on a three-nation-tour to Russia, USA and UK, here today:

~ I leave today on a visit to Russia, USA and the United Kingdom.

My visit to Russia is in the backdrop of a vibrant bilateral relationship. During the visit of President Putin to India in October last year, we signed a Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two countries and agreed on annual Summit Level meetings.

My discussions with President Putin and other Russian leaders will focus on further accelerating the enhanced tempo of bilateral relations, deepening political understanding and expanding the range of economic interactions. We will also discuss important regional and international developments.

I will visit St. Petersburg. Moscow State University will confer on me an Honorary Doctorate.

I will pay a working visit to USA at the invitation of President George W. Bush. I hope to discuss with him the consolidation of the many positive trends in our bilateral relationship over recent years. We will also exchange views on important international developments and current issues of concern. I look forward to interacting with a cross section of members of the US Congress. I will also have the opportunity to meet representatives of the Indian American community.

I will address the UN General Assembly in New York and will take the opportunity of my presence there to meet some important world leaders. The Indian American community will also host a public reception in New York.

In London, I hope to pick up the threads of my discussions with Prime Minister Tony Blair when he was recently in Delhi. Our bilateral relations with UK have developed and diversified strongly in recent years. We will discuss them and our approach to current international developments.

In my discussions in all three countries, I will place particular emphasis on issues relating to international terrorism and the urgent need to address the challenges of post-conflict Afghanistan.