BERLIN: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role during talks with President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday.
The two leaders discussed Afghanistan, regional security and closer economic ties. Steinmeier praised Pakistan’s “rising diplomatic profile in the resolution of regional and global disputes”.
He also thanked Pakistan for helping verify 500 Afghans due to travel to Germany. Zardari said Pakistan had no conflict with the Afghan people. He said Islamabad would not allow militants to use Afghan soil to attack Pakistani citizens.
Steinmeier also discussed the Makkah defence pact with Zardari. Zardari said the pact sought to support regional security. He added that it was not directed against any specific country.
Both leaders called for stronger business, education and technology links. Zardari also sought wider cooperation in trade, emerging technology, climate resilience and skills development.
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He thanked Steinmeier for Germany’s recognition of Pakistan’s mediation role in the US-Iran conflict. Pakistan and Germany are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.
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Zardari invited Steinmeier to visit Pakistan. The German president said he would consider a visit at an appropriate time. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role during talks with President Asif Ali Zardari in Berlin.
