German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Pakistan’s “rising diplomatic profile in the resolution of regional and global disputes” when he met President Asif Ali Zardari in Berlin on Friday. The meeting took place during Zardari’s three-day visit to Germany, which comes as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. It forms part of a wider effort to deepen Germany Pakistan relations at the highest level.
Zardari left for Germany on Thursday. In a statement issued that day, the Foreign Office said the trip, set for October 22 to 24, is one of a series of senior-level contacts between the two countries, and that it will focus heavily on economic and trade ties. The president’s office said the leaders also discussed Afghanistan and a regional defence arrangement during their talks.
Afghanistan, security and the Makkah pact
Afghanistan was among the main issues raised. Zardari told the meeting that Pakistan has no quarrel with the Afghan people, but that it would not allow militants to use Afghan soil to attack Pakistani citizens or to violate its sovereignty.
Steinmeier, according to the statement, welcomed Pakistan’s help in verifying 500 Afghans who are due to be sent back to Germany. He also praised Pakistan’s humanitarian support for millions of Afghans over more than four decades.
The German president showed strong interest in the defence pact signed by Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, known as the Makkah defence pact. Zardari said the arrangement is meant to support regional security and offer an alternative to conflict, and that it is not aimed at any single country.
Trade, mediation and what comes next
Both leaders spoke about widening ties beyond traditional areas. Steinmeier expressed hope that business, education and technology cooperation would grow, while Zardari called for more focus on trade, emerging technologies, climate resilience and skills development.
Zardari also thanked Steinmeier for acknowledging what he described as Pakistan’s sincere mediation role in the conflict between the United States and Iran. Earlier, in September, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The German foreign office said Berlin appreciated Pakistan’s mediation in regional conflicts, and that both sides agreed to push forward peace negotiations for Ukraine.
Zardari invited Steinmeier to visit Pakistan, and the German president said he would consider a trip “at an appropriate time”. After their one-on-one meeting, both presidents took part in delegation-level talks. The Pakistani side included Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Sindh ministers Sharjeel Memon and Jam Khan Shoro, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Ambassador to Germany Salman Sharif. Zardari was also given a guard of honour at the German Ministry of Defence on arrival.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- June: A German delegation announced plans to bring about 30 German companies to Pakistan and connect local businesses with European markets.
- September: Ishaq Dar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
- Thursday: Zardari departed for Germany, and the Foreign Office issued a statement on the visit, scheduled for October 22 to 24.
- Friday: Zardari met Steinmeier in Berlin, where the German president praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Germany ke sadar Frank-Walter Steinmeier ne Berlin mein President Asif Ali Zardari se mulakat ki aur dispute hal karne mein Pakistan ke barhte hue kirdar ko saraha. Dono mulkon ne tijarat, taleem aur technology mein taluqat barhane par baat ki. Germany se 30 companies ko Pakistan lane ke mansoobe ka bhi zikar hua hai. Aam logon ke liye iska matlab abhi koi fori tabdeeli nahi, lekin karobar aur rozgar ke mauqe aage chal kar barh sakte hain.
