German envoy urges stronger trade ties

Dr Ina Lepel praises Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions

ISLAMABAD:

German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Ina Lepel visited the National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad, and attended a special interactive session with journalists under the club's international outreach initiative, "Meet the Press".

During the visit, the ambassador toured different sections of the National Press Club and later planted a sapling on its premises as a symbol of friendship and environmental sustainability.

She was warmly received by NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary Dr Furqan Rao, members of the governing body and senior journalists.

Welcoming the ambassador, the NPC president expressed hope that such interactions would continue in the future. On the occasion, NPC Secretary Dr Furqan Rao also welcomed her and gave a detailed briefing on the club's history, journalistic activities, institutional role and initiatives for the welfare of journalists.

Dr Furqan Rao said Germany was an important development partner of Pakistan and the two countries had longstanding cooperation in various fields, including trade, education, development projects and strengthening democratic institutions.

He added that Germany was also playing an important role in providing higher education opportunities and scholarships to Pakistani youth.

Addressing the Meet the Press programme, German Ambassador Dr Ina Lepel highlighted the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Germany and stressed the need for a significant increase in bilateral trade.

She pointed out that despite the passage of several years, the volume of trade between the two countries had not increased as desired.

She said she had previously served in Pakistan in 2017 and had now returned as ambassador, but regretted that bilateral trade had not witnessed any substantial improvement during this period.