German Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E Mr. Heiko Maas calls on Prime Minister Imran Khan at Islamabad on 31st August, 2021.
Islamabad; German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called on Prime Minister Imran Khan today. Views were exchanged on the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan-Germany bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister recalled his conversation with Chancellor Merkel, in which the two leaders had fruitful exchange of views on the Afghanistan situation. The Prime Minister underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was vitally important for Pakistan and the region.
The Prime Minister stressed that at this pivotal moment in Afghanistan’s history, it was important for the international community to remain in support and solidarity with the Afghan people.
The Prime Minister underlined that urgent steps were needed to stabilize the security situation, address humanitarian needs, and ensure economic stability in Afghanistan. These would require sustained engagement with Afghanistan, he added.
The Prime Minister underscored that both Pakistan and Germany should work closely for the promotion of shared interests relating to regional peace and stability.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas conveyed cordial greetings of Chancellor Merkel. While sharing Germany’s viewpoint on the evolving situation in Afghanistan, he thanked for Pakistan’s support and facilitation for Germany’s evacuation endeavours from Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Maas also highlighted the celebration of 70th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-Germany diplomatic relations during 2021. The two countries are holding a series of events to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with Foreign Minister of Germany Heiko Maas today. The two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan as well as bilateral relations.
Noting the strong momentum in Pakistan-Germany relations, Foreign Minister Qureshi recalled the two visits by the Foreign Ministers in April 2021, their telephonic conversation of 21 August, and other high-level exchanges.
The Foreign Minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on evolving situation in Afghanistan. He stated that for Pakistan, the immediate neighbor who has suffered for 40 years from conflict and instability next door, a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was of vital importance. The Foreign Minister underlined that safety and security of Afghans and an inclusive political settlement would be important in this regard.
Foreign Minister Qureshi stressed the need for international community to engage through positive messaging and constructive actions. The Foreign Minister stated that immediate steps were needed to address the humanitarian needs and ensure sustained economic stability.
The Foreign Minister added that measures must be taken to stabilize the security situation, preserve peace, and preclude any mass exodus. The Foreign Minister added that positive engagement with Afghanistan will help advance these shared objectives.
The Foreign Minister also apprised the German Foreign Minister of his recent visit to neighboring countries of Afghanistan and his interaction with various Foreign Ministers.
The Foreign Minister added that Pakistan has been extending all possible support to foreign governments and International organizations in evacuation of their diplomatic personnel, nationals and others from Afghanistan.
In the context of bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over growing cooperation in diverse fields. Stressing the high value Pakistan attached to its relations with Germany, the Foreign Minister underscored the resolve to comprehensively upgrade the overall relationship.
The year 2021 marks the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany. A range of events are envisaged by the two countries to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner.