German Unity Day: Germany’s reunification has important lessons for Pakistan

Envoy stresses on closer ties to bring out the best both countries have to offer.

ISLAMABAD:

German Unity Day was celebrated by a large number of diplomats, government officials, members of non-government organisations and civil society, at the German embassy on Thursday. While celebrating Germany’s reunification in 1990, the importance of close ties between Pakistan and Germany was underscored.

Local politicians at the reception noted that Pakistan has important lessons to learn from the German reunification, particularly in terms of promoting unity between the provinces. A number of representatives fom German non-governmental organisations were engaged in similar discussions with guests. Anja Minnaerta, a Friedrich Ebert Stiftung representative, said that while the dynamics of the relationship between India and Pakistan were different from former East and West Germany, they can draw on their experience to improve ties.

“Lines of communication between East and West Germany were always open and people crossed the border to travel to the other side. However there isn’t much travel or communication between India and Pakistan, which gives way to even greater miscommunication and hostility,” added Minnaerta.

German envoy Cyrill Nunn, while speaking to The Express Tribune, hoped that relations between Pakistan and Germany would continue to flourish. More events should be held where citizens from the world over can communicate freely, he added.

“Many things have changed since my very first posting in Pakistan a few years ago, but this country never ceases to amaze me,” he said. “The two countries have enjoyed stronger ties over the years by collaborating in various fields,” Nunn added. Germany cannot flourish without Europe and Pakistan; we must all work together to bring out the best our countries have to offer, stated the ambassador, concluding the formal address.

Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Aziz, former chief secretary Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, shed light on the different set of consequences the Soviet invasion had for Pakistan and Germany.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2012.