President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday night departed Abuja for London and Paris.

While in the two countries, Jonathan is expected to confer with the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, and the President of France, Mr. Francois Hollande, on matters of vital interests to Nigeria, Britain and France.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President, on Media and Publicity Dr. Reuben Abati, indicated that the talks with the British Prime Minister in London are expected to focus on the expansion of trade and economic relations between Nigeria and Britain as well as the enhancement of cooperation between both countries on the war against terrorism.

In Paris, the president will confer with Hollande and French Government officials on the ongoing deployment of Nigerian and ECOWAS troops to Mali to support the current military action against insurgents and terrorists in northern Mali.

On his way to London, Jonathan will stop over in Cairo, Egypt to participate in the conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) scheduled to open today.

He is also scheduled to attend the launch of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation in London on Friday.

The President who was accompanied by the First Lady and relevant government officials, is due back in Abuja on Monday.