Germany and Pakistan have strong prospects for expanding cooperation in trade, education, development, and culture, German Ambassador Ina Lepel said on Thursday, as the two countries marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. Addressing a German Unity Day reception, Ambassador Lepel said the two countries shared a longstanding friendship and were looking to strengthen their partnership through high-level exchanges and closer people-to-people contacts.
"There is still a lot of work to do in all fields of cooperation, but looking at Germany's and Pakistan's enduring friendship, we have a good chance of succeeding," she said. The ambassador highlighted recent exchanges between the two countries' leaders and foreign ministers, describing them as evidence of mutual trust and appreciation.
She said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul had particularly appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the Gulf region. She also disclosed that President Asif Ali Zardari would shortly visit Germany at the invitation of his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The two presidents will discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, according to her. Ms. Lepel said the friendship between Pakistan and Germany predated the establishment of diplomatic relations, citing the stay of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Heidelberg, where he completed his thesis.
"Today, exactly 75 years ago, diplomatic relations were established between Pakistan and Germany. This is another reason to celebrate today," she said.
She said Germany remained committed to European unity while building strong partnerships across the world. Referring to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she said the conflict had put European security at risk.
Turning to bilateral economic and educational links, Ms. Lepel said German-Pakistani industrial and commercial relations had been expanding. Around 13,000 Pakistanis were currently studying at German universities, an increase of 5,000 over the past three years, she added.
Germany had also invested around €4 billion in development cooperation with Pakistan since 1961, reflecting the longstanding partnership between the two countries.