ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari left on Friday for a weeklong official visit to the UK and France. He is expected to return to the country on Dec 13.

During his visit to Britain, the president will meet Malala Yousufzai, who is under treatment at a hospital in Birmingham.

“The president will meet 14-year-old Malala Yousufzai to inquire after her health,” sources in the Presidency told Dawn. The exact timing of the meeting could not be ascertained.

The president will also attend a high-profile event entitled ‘Stand Up for Malala: Girls’ Right to Education’, in Paris on Dec 10.

The event is being organised jointly by Unesco and Pakistan and it coincides with the International Human Rights Day.

During his visit to France, President Zardari will also hold talks with his French counterpart Francois Hollande on bilateral issues.