Pakistan, Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, discuss stronger economic cooperation
Celina Ali
Islamabad: Pakistan and Germany this wyreaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The meeting came as Pakistan and Germany mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, providing an opportunity for the two sides to review the longstanding partnership and discuss avenues for expanding cooperation in a range of areas.
Dar and Wadephul felicitated each other on the milestone and reaffirmed the importance of sustained high-level engagement to further consolidate the longstanding and cordial relationship between the two countries.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on strengthening economic ties. The two foreign ministers explored ways to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and broader economic relations, while also highlighting the importance of developing stronger business-to-business linkages.
Greater interaction between the private sectors of the two countries could provide opportunities for businesses to explore new markets, investment partnerships and joint ventures, while complementing the government-to-government relationship.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in defence, education and skills development, as well as strengthening people-to-people contacts. These areas form important components of the broader relationship, with educational and professional exchanges offering opportunities to develop longer-term links between the societies of Pakistan and Germany.
Regional developments also featured prominently in the meeting. The two foreign ministers exchanged views on the evolving situation in the region and discussed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
German Foreign Minister Wadephul appreciated what he described as Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
The two sides also discussed the situation in Palestine, with the humanitarian and political dimensions of the conflict remaining an important issue on the international agenda.
Dar reaffirmed the importance Pakistan attaches to sustained international efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian assistance for affected populations and pursuing a just and lasting settlement based on the two-State solution.
The discussions reflected the convergence of interests between Pakistan and Germany on the need for continued diplomatic engagement and international efforts to address major regional crises.
The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations provides a significant backdrop to the current engagement between Islamabad and Berlin. Over the decades, the relationship has developed across political, economic, development, educational and people-to-people dimensions.
The latest meeting also highlighted the desire of both countries to give greater momentum to economic cooperation. Trade and investment, business-to-business engagement and skills development were identified as areas where closer interaction could further strengthen the bilateral partnership.
As Pakistan and Germany enter the next phase of their relationship, sustained high-level contacts and increased engagement between their business and institutional communities are expected to remain important elements of bilateral cooperation.
Dar and Wadephul agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.