ISLAMABAD (AP): Pakistan's new prime minister says fighting terrorism will be his government's top priority. It is also ready to talk to militants prepared to lay down their arms.

Yousaf Raza Gillani made the remarks on Saturday in his first policy speech since lawmakers elected him days ago. Earlier Saturday, parliamentarians passed unopposed a motion expressing confidence in Gillani, a loyalist of assassinated former premier Benazir Bhutto.

Gillani said extremism was a serious problem for Pakistan. He called restoring peace and eliminating terrorism ``our top priority.'' He also said the new government was ``ready to hold talks with those who will lay down their arms.''