ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will travel to Berlin on Monday on a two-day official visit to Germany.

During the visit the premier will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said a message received here from Pakistan`s Embassy in Berlin.

In an interview to German TV channel N24 on Sunday, Mr Sharif said achieving economic development and ending the energy crisis were the foremost priorities of his government.

He said the government was encouraging the private sector and German investors should take advantage of this policy by investing in different sectors, including energy and agriculture.

In reply to a question, he said the government`s duty was to run affairs of the state, not the business, factories or restaurants.Mr Sharif said Pakistan desired peace and would extend maximum possible cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He emphasised that Pakistan and Afghanistan would have to fully cooperate with each other to exterminate extremism and terrorism. Strong economic ties between the two countries were also equally essential, he said.

During the visit, the prime minister will also meet president of the German Bundestag (Parliament) and address a business forum.

Pakistan`s annual trade with Germany stands at $2.5 billion. The two countries have strongcollaborationinvarious helds.

Over 70,000 Pakistanis live in Germany.

In addition, there are more than 2,300 students from Pakistan studying in German universities.-APP