President for boosting trade with Germany
President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday stressed the imperative of realising the available potential to expand political, economic, and defense cooperation between Pakistan and Germany, with a greater focus on trade, emerging technologies, climate resilience, skills development, people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
During a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President Zardari thanked him for his invitation and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, a Presidency's news release said.
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.
President 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.
The two presidents discussed the challenges related to Afghanistan.
President Zardari apprised his German counterpart 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.
The German president appreciated the Pakistani 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.
President Zardari also stressed the imperative of realising the available potential to expand political, economic, and defense cooperation between Pakistan and Germany, with a greater focus on trade, emerging technologies, climate resilience, skills development, people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
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 strong, robust and mutually beneficial partnership through sustained constructive engagement.
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 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.