Islamabad, 31 August 2021 (TDI): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi welcomed his German counterpart Heiko Maas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad today.
The German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also had a sapling planted at the Foreign Office Lawn. The two leaders will discuss the unfolding situation in Afghanistan including others.
German Foreign Minister’s visit comes a day after US and Nato forces completed their pullout from Afghanistan especially after fighting the War on Terror in the country for the past two decades.
Prime Minister of Pakistan has underscored the fact that Pakistan and Germany should work closely together for the promotion of regional peace and stability.
It is important to note here that Pakistan and Germany are celebrating their 70th Anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Meeting with Prime Minister
Earlier German Foreign Minister met Prime Minister Imran Khan where both leaders vowed to work closely together for regional peace and stability.
Foreign Minister Maas said that it is important for Germany that all Afghan factions were represented in the future political setup in Kabul. He has further added that it remained to be seen if the Taliban will be able to make an inclusive government in the country.
Joint Press Conference
In a joint press conference, both Foreign Minister Qureshi and Mass talked about the Taliban, Afghanistan, Pakistan German Relations, and regional peace and stability.
While talking German Foreign Minister said that it is important that all Afghans, Afghans who do not support the Taliban are represented in the government and it remains to be seen if the Taliban will take this into account.
He has thanked Pakistan for playing a constructive role in evacuating German citizens along with vulnerable Afghan Nationals from this warn torn country.
Foreign Minister Maas also acknowledge that Germany will be providing one million euros in humanitarian assistance and pledged a further 500 million euros for projects and measures in Afghanistan’s neighboring countries for projects like preventing extremism.
German Foreign Minister further said that there is a need for procedures to bring Afghan evacuees to Germany if they are eligible for admission. Taliban have promised to allow citizens to leave Afghanistan on flights from Kabul airports but have yet to see if their commitments are reliable.
Foreign Minister Qureshi said that Germany is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in EU. He said that there is a need to enhance bilateral trade and develop economic linkages in areas like renewable energy, housing, and electric vehicles.
While speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Qureshi said that Pakistan has helped evacuate over 10,000 people safely from Afghanistan between August 15 and August 30.
Foreign Minister also warned about the spoilers in the peace process.
Meeting with COAS
German Foreign Minister also met the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. During his meeting matters of mutual interest, overall regional peace, stability, and security situation especially Afghanistan development and bilateral cooperation were discussed.
German Foreign Minister acknowledge Pakistan’s continued support for the promotion of peace and stability in the region and thanked COAS support rendered by Pakistan during the evacuation from Kabul.
For more information on Pakistan-German ties, you can also visit joint website of the German Embassy in Islamabad and the German Consulate General in Karachi.
