German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has praised Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in resolving international disputes during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in Germany, as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations ahead of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
President Zardari is on a three-day visit to Germany from October 22 to 24, aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, technology and other areas of mutual interest.
According to a statement from the President’s Office, the two leaders discussed regional security challenges, particularly the situation in Afghanistan. Zardari said Pakistan had no conflict with the Afghan people but would not allow terrorist groups to use Afghan territory to attack Pakistani citizens or undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Steinmeier appreciated Pakistan’s assistance in facilitating the verification of 500 Afghans scheduled for repatriation to Germany. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s humanitarian support for millions of Afghans over more than four decades.
The German president expressed interest in the defence pact involving Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. In response, Zardari said the agreement aimed to strengthen regional security and provide an alternative for addressing regional conflicts, adding that it was not directed against any particular country.
Steinmeier also expressed hope that Pakistan and Germany would intensify cooperation in business, trade, education and technological development.
Zardari thanked the German president for the invitation and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also welcomed Steinmeier’s recognition of Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the conflict between the United States and Iran.
The Pakistani president said Islamabad supported resolving disputes through sustained dialogue and constructive negotiations to promote regional and global peace and stability.
He emphasised the need to expand existing political, economic and defence cooperation between the two countries, with greater attention to trade, emerging technologies, climate resilience, skills development, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Zardari described Germany as an important European partner and appreciated its support for women’s empowerment, social protection and human development. He said Pakistan was ready to broaden bilateral cooperation in scientific research, healthcare, education, vocational training, agriculture, industry, trade and investment.
He added that stronger government-to-government, business-to-business and expert-level engagement could help transform longstanding friendly relations into a more robust and mutually beneficial partnership.
Zardari also invited Steinmeier to visit Pakistan. The German president responded that he would consider the invitation at an appropriate time.
Following their one-on-one meeting, both leaders participated in delegation-level talks. The Pakistani delegation included Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon and Jam Khan Shoro, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany Salman Sharif.
Earlier, Zardari received a guard of honour upon arriving at Germany’s Ministry of Defence, with Steinmeier also attending the ceremony.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the visit was part of ongoing high-level exchanges between the two countries. The president was also scheduled to meet senior German officials and business leaders, with a particular focus on strengthening economic and trade cooperation.
The visit follows a September meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Germany had acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation efforts in regional disputes, including those involving the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. Both sides also discussed efforts to advance peace negotiations concerning Ukraine.
In a separate development in June, a German delegation announced plans to bring around 30 German companies to Pakistan and help connect Pakistani businesses with European markets.
