Prime Minister Manmohan Singh leaves Frankfurt for United States

FRANKFURT: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh left for the US after an overnight halt.

Singh arrived here last night on his way to the US where he will hold bilateral talks with President Barack Obama in Washington and attend the UN General Assembly in New York besides meeting his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.

Soon after arrival, Singh called up German Channeller Angela Merkel to congratulate her on her election victory.

Merkel emerged triumphant for a third term at the helm of Germany in Sunday's elections.

Singh's week-long US visit is aimed at charting a course for "future cooperation" by expanding and deepening bilateral relations in a host of areas, including trade and investment, civil nuclear cooperation, defence and counter-terrorism.

Some agreements including in the field of defence are expected to be signed with the US during the visit.

From Washington, Singh will move to New York to address the UN General Assembly.

The Prime Minister will also meet with leaders of neighbouring countries including Pakistan during his visit to New York.