Pakistan has 'rising diplomatic profile' in resolving regional, global disputes: German president
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has praised Pakistan's "rising diplomatic profile in the resolution of regional and global disputes" during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in Berlin, as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Berlin : According to Raaz News | President Zardari is on a three-day visit to Germany that began after his departure a day earlier, with the two nations set to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.
According to a statement from the president's office, the two leaders also discussed challenges related to Afghanistan. Zardari said Pakistan "has no conflict with the Afghan people" but would not allow terrorists to use Afghan soil to attack Pakistani citizens and violate its sovereignty.
Steinmeier appreciated Pakistan for facilitating the verification of 500 Afghans "destined to be repatriated to Germany" and commended Pakistan's humanitarian assistance to "millions of Afghans" over more than four decades.
The German president also took a "significant interest" in the Makkah defence pact signed between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. Zardari said the pact aimed at "ensuring regional security and provided a security alternative to regional conflicts," adding that "it is not directed against any specific country."
Steinmeier expressed hope the two countries would continue to engage with reinforced efforts in business and trade to promote "bilateral business, education collaboration and technological cooperation." Zardari thanked Steinmeier for the invitation and hospitality and expressed gratitude for his acknowledgement of Pakistan's "sincere mediation role" in the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Zardari stressed the need to "realise the available potential for expanding existing political, economic and defence cooperation" between Pakistan and Germany, with "greater focus on economy and trade, emerging technologies, climate resilience, skills development, people-to-people and cultural exchanges." He said Pakistan "highly values" Germany as a major European partner and was prepared to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas into "innovative and mutually beneficial collaboration" in scientific development, healthcare, education, vocational training, trade and investment, agriculture, commerce and industry, and climate resilience.
Zardari invited the German president to Pakistan, who responded that he would consider a visit "at an appropriate time." Both presidents participated in delegation-level talks after their one-on-one meeting. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon and Jam Khan Shoro, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Pakistan's Ambassador to Germany Salman Sharif were part of the Pakistani delegation. Earlier, Zardari was given a guard of honour upon his arrival at the German Ministry of Defence, with Steinmeier also present.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Foreign Office said the president's visit, scheduled for Oct 22-24, is "part of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Germany," with a "particular focus on economic and trade cooperation."
In September, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where Germany appreciated Pakistan's mediation efforts in regional conflicts, especially in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. In June, a German delegation announced plans to bring about 30 German companies to Pakistan and link local businesses to European markets.