ISLAMABAD: Presi­dent Asif Ali Zardari on Friday stressed the need to realise the potential for expanding political, economic and defence cooperation between Pakistan and Germany, with a greater focus on trade, emerging technologies, climate resilience, skills development, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

During a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Ste­inm­eier, Mr Zardari said Pakistan highly valued Germany as a major European partner.

President Zardari not­ed with profound appreciation that the visit was taking place after 23 years, marking a significant cha­pter in bilateral relations as the two countries commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

President Steinmeier exp­ressed hope that Pakistan and Germany would continue to stre­ng­then engagement in business and trade to promote bilateral commerce, educational collaboration and technological cooperation.

He appreciated the Pakistani government’s assistance in facilitating the verification of 500 Afghans destined to be repatriated to Germany, as well as Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to millions of Afghans over the past four decades.

The two presidents discussed challenges relating to Afghanistan.

President Zardari said Pakistan had no conflict with the Afghan people but would not allow terrorists to use Afghan soil to attack Pakistani citizens and violate the country’s sovereignty.

Responding to the German president’s keen interest in the matter, Mr Zardari said the Makkah Defence Pact was aimed at ensuring regional security and providing an alternative to regional conflicts, adding that it was not directed against any specific country.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026