London: US President George W. Bush, making his farewell tour of Europe, arrived Sunday at London Heathrow airport for a visit and talks with British leaders.

Earlier, Scotland Yard reported that very tight security measures were being put in place for his visit, with thousands of officers on duty as anti-war protests are expected before parliament as well as Windsor Castle, where Bush and his wife Barbara are due to have "afternoon tea" with Queen Elizabeth II.

The US president is to later have dinner with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah.

Bush is to have political talks with Brown Monday. In addition to the Iraq war, the world economy including oil and food prices are to be topics of discussion.

After meeting with Brown, Bush is expected to meet former premier and current special envoy to the Middle East, Tony Blair.

Bush along with Brown is also expected in Belfast, North Ireland, where the two will meet with North Irish First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

The Bush visit is the US politician's first to Britain since Brown became prime minister.

The White House leader is wrapping up a week-long tour of Europe which began June 9 in Slovenia to attend the US-European Union summit, followed by visits to Germany, Italy and France.

 

Source : IANS