Peter Felten, minister counselor and charge d’affaires of the Germany Embassy in Islamabad, was pleased to host the public screening of the quarter final match between Germany and France in the World Football Cup in Brazil on Friday, more so, because Germany won the match.

The large group of about one hundred and fifty diplomats and others not only enjoyed the football match, but also the food and drinks that were provided from the Iftar time throughout the evening.

“It is pleasant to be back in Pakistan after a year at home in Germany, and to have this opportunity to meet old and new friends, and also watch the match,” said Dr Ruth Hildebrandt of GIZ, the German agency for development cooperation.

“Often, diplomats meet in more formal settings, and I find it very pleasant to meet informally,” said a group of Pakistani guests.

“I am half German and half Brazilian,” explained another guest. “My mother is Brazilian, and I make a point of telling people now during the World Football Cup that I am supporting Brazil, just so that the Germans don’t become too self-confident. They haven’t won yet, and it could be Brazil,” he joked, and a Latin-American working for the United Nations said he agreed entirely. “Diplomacy is to take and give and make all feel important. We have to work together, either we win or lose football matches, or experience other differences,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2014