ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Minister of Germany Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier was given assurances by the adviser on national security Sartaj Aziz that the ongoing military action in North Waziristan was against all terrorist organisations, including the Haqqani Network.
“Haqqani network is no longer present in Pakistan, and they have shifted to Afghanistan after the recent military operations in the area,” said Sartaj Aziz during a meeting with Dr Steinmeier.
“The infrastructure supporting Haqqani network in North Waziristan has been dismantled,” added Aziz.
Earlier, the German foreign minister reached Islamabad on Monday on a two-day official visit.
Steinmeier is here to discuss matters relating to bilateral and regional interest with particular focus on peace and stability in the region.
Later, a meeting between Dr Steinmeier and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was held at the PM House.
The German foreign minister expressed deep respect and gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and encouraged the government to continue the close collaboration with Afghanistan.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan need to work together for peace and prosperity in the region,” stated the German envoy.
He, however, expressed concern over the military courts which have been established to try terror-related cases.
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| Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz during a handshake with with the Foreign Minister of Germany, HE Dr. Farank-Walter Steinmeier in Islamabad on August 31, 2015. — PID |
Referring to the recent flare-up in tensions between Indian and Pakistan, he urged both countries to resolve their differences through dialogue.
The German Foreign Minister thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his visit to Pakistan.
“We have directed government departments and institutions to follow the mutually agreed areas of cooperation discussed in my earlier visit to Germany,” said the premier.
“Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Germany are improving and we expect better economic cooperation between the two countries,” said the German foreign minister.
The premier also thanked Germany on the occasion for supporting Pakistan for the GSP-Plus status given by the European Union (EU).
“Pakistan’s economy has experiencing a turn-around and key indicators are improving,” stated the prime minister.
The German foreign minister also met Army Chief General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi.
Steinmeier is accompanied by German ambassador and other senior officials of German foreign ministry on this trip.
