Zardari seeks stronger and mutually beneficial ties on Germany visit as countries mark 75 years of relations

Zardari seeks broader cooperation with Germany in meeting with counterpart Steinmeier

President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday called for a holistic expansion of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Germany to build a robust and constructive partnership, expressing readiness to translate existing ties into a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship through sustained engagement.

The president said this during a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin, according to a statement issued by the President's Office, adding that President Zardari thanked him for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

President Zardari is visiting Germany from October 22 to 24 at the invitation of Steinmeier. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet senior German leaders and business representatives to discuss bilateral relations, particularly the strengthening of economic and trade cooperation.

Zardari said the visit, taking place after 23 years, reflected Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its longstanding cordial and friendly relations with Germany and translating them into a stronger, mutually beneficial partnership through sustained constructive engagement, marking a significant chapter in bilateral ties as the two countries commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

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President Zardari Stresses for Holistic Expansion of Bilateral Cooperation towards Robust Constructive Partnership between Pakistan and Germany*

President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed on the imperative of realising available potential for expanding existing political,… pic.twitter.com/xM3eSpbSaK

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 23, 2026

He underscored the need to realise the existing potential for expanding political, economic and defence cooperation, with greater emphasis on trade, emerging technologies, climate resilience, skills development, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

President Zardari said Pakistan highly valued Germany as a major European partner and greatly appreciated its support for women’s empowerment, social protection and human development.

He said Pakistan was prepared to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas and pursue innovative, mutually beneficial collaboration in scientific development, healthcare, education, vocational training, technological advancement, trade and investment, agriculture, commerce and industry, and climate resilience.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation through enhanced government-to-government and business-to-business engagement, as well as interactions among experts.

صدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا دورہ جرمنی

برلن: صدر آصف علی زرداری کے اعزاز میں جرمن وزارت دفاع میں والہانہ استقبالیہ تقریب

صدر مملکت کی جرمن وزارت دفاع آمد پر جرمنی کے صدر فرینک والٹر شٹائن مائر نے استقبال کیا

صدر آصف علی زرداری کو گارڈ آف آنر پیش کیا گیا

صدر مملکت جرمنی کے صدر… pic.twitter.com/QHT2unQt0o

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 23, 2026

President Zardari also expressed gratitude to President Steinmeier for Germany’s acknowledgement of Pakistan’s sincere mediation role in the US-Iran conflict.

“Pakistan believes that conflicts should be resolved through sustained dialogue and constructive negotiations to promote regional and global peace and stability,” he said.

President Steinmeier warmly welcomed President Zardari’s visit on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also conveyed condolences over the deaths of children in a recent school roof collapse in Peshawar.

The German president expressed hope that Pakistan and Germany would intensify their engagement in business and trade to promote bilateral commercial ties, educational collaboration and technological cooperation.

He also praised Pakistan’s growing diplomatic profile in efforts to resolve regional and global disputes.

President Steinmeier appreciated the Pakistani government for facilitating the verification of 500 Afghans destined to be repatriated to Germany while also acknowledging Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to millions of Afghans over the past more than four decades.

President Asif Ali Zardari and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier holding delegation-level talks at the Office of the President on Friday Photo: PID

The two presidents discussed challenges relating to Afghanistan. President Zardari said Pakistan had no conflict with the Afghan people but would not allow terrorists to use Afghan soil to attack Pakistani citizens or violate the country’s sovereignty.

Responding to President Steinmeier’s interest in the Makkah defence pact, President Zardari said the arrangement was aimed at ensuring regional security and providing an alternative to regional conflicts, adding that it was not directed against any specific country.

President Zardari also invited President Steinmeier to visit Pakistan. The German president said he would consider the invitation and look to visit at an appropriate time.

Earlier, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour at the German Ministry of Defence ahead of his meeting with President Steinmeier and high-level delegation talks.

The German president welcomed his Pakistani counterpart at the formal reception ceremony, where the national anthems of both countries were played, after which the two presidents held a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks.

The Pakistani delegation included 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.