President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed on the imperative of realising 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 during meeting with Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin today.
President Zardari thanked President Steinmeier for his invitation and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He said the visit reflected Pakistan's commitment to deepening its longstanding cordial, friendly relations with Germany and readiness to translate existing relations into a more stronger, robust and mutually beneficial partnership through sustained constructive engagement.
The President noted with profound appreciation that this landmark visit is now taking place after 23 years defining a significant chapter in bilateral relations as the two countries commemorate 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
He stated that Pakistan highly values Germany as a major European partner, and greatly admires German support towards women empowerment, social protection and human development.
President Asif Ali Zardari stated that Pakistan stands prepared for expanding bilateral cooperation beyond traditional areas into innovative and mutually beneficial collaboration with Germany in scientific development, healthcare and education, vocational training and technological advancement, trade and investment, agriculture, commerce and industry, and climate resilience through enhanced government-to-government, business-to-business, and experts level interactions.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his gratitude to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for German acknowledgement of Pakistan’s sincere mediation role in US-Iran conflict. He stated that Pakistan views resolution of conflicts through sustained dialogue and constructive negotiations for the sake of regional as well as global peace and stability.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warmly welcomed President Zardari’s visit to Germany on the momentous occasion of 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany this year. He also extended his condolences on the tragic death of children during school roof collapse in Peshawar recently.
The German President expressed the hope that Pakistan and Germany will continue to engage with reinforced efforts in the business and trade fields for promotion of bilateral business, education collaboration and technological cooperation.
The German President praised Pakistan’s rising diplomatic profile in resolving regional and global disputes. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appreciated Pakistan's government for facilitating the verification of 500 Afghans destined to be repatriated to Germany. He also appreciated Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to millions of Afghans during the last more than four decades.
Both the Presidents discussed the challenges related to Afghanistan. President Asif Zardari apprised that Pakistan has no conflict with Afghan people but said Pakistan will not allow terrorists to use Afghan soil to attack our citizens and violate our sovereignty.
Responding to the German President's significant interest, President Zardari said Makkah Defence Pact is aimed at ensuring regional security and provides regional security alternative to regional conflicts, and is not directed against any specific country.
President Zardari invited German President to Pakistan who responded by saying he will consider to visit Pakistan at an appropriate time.
Both the Presidents had delegation level talks after one-on-one meeting. Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, and Sindh Provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Jam Khan Shoro, Senator Saleem Mandviwallah and Pakistan's Ambassador to Germany Salman Sharif were part of Pakistan delegation.
Earlier the President was given a Guard of Honour at the German Ministry of Defence with the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier present on the occasion.
