US First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to pupils during a visit to Mulberry school for girls in London, Britain, June 16, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Visiting US First Lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday highlighted the importance of education for girls in London, calling for more opportunities for girls' education in poor countries.

The first lady, who is visiting Britain to promote her charity work, joined British International Development Secretary Justine Greening to launch a new five-year program in the Democratic Republic of Congo to support girls' education in the country.

Addressing an audience at Mulberry School for Girls in east London, Michelle said that education is the key to the pupils' future success.

The program will focus on helping girls who are out of school in conflict affected areas to get back into classrooms. It also includes work to tackle sexual and physical violence and intimidation in the classroom, and to give girls the skills they need to get a job and reintegrate into society.