Date: 30/11/2009
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Germany Mr. Guido Westerwelle in Berlin. The Foreign Minister is accompanying the Prime Minister on his official visit to Germany.
The Foreign Minister complimented Mr. Westerwelle on his party's electoral gains in the German Parliamentary election and his appointment as the new Foreign Minister. He expressed hope that during his assignment, bilateral relations between Pakistan and Germany will continue to grow and gain strength.
The German Foreign Minister welcomed his Pakistani counterpart and underscored the importance of the Prime Minister's visit in developing strategic relationship between the two countries. He said that Pakistan was a key state in an important region and that Germany wanted to deepen and broaden its relationship in all areas, including political, economic, scientific, education and cultural fields. He said that the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) being signed between the two counties was reflective of the importance Germany attaches to strengthening its relations with Pakistan. The Treaty, he hoped will enable greater German investment in Pakistan.
The Foreign Minister proposed the establishment of a high level strategic dialogue, like Pakistan has with UK and USA. He recalled that Pakistan has already put forward a roadmap of structured engagements with Germany in all areas. He stressed the need for support to Pakistan's economy, which has been adversely affected by terrorism, by according greater market access through GSP plus and Free Trade Agreement with EU.
The Foreign Ministers briefed his German host about Pakistan's recent gains in operations against militant extremism in Waziristan. He stressed that the whole nation was united in its resolve to root out terrorism. The two ministers also reviewed the regional situation and other issues of mutual interest.
Islamabad
30 November 2009