ISLAMABAD – Germany has expressed concern over the recent tension betweenPakistan and India and urged the two countries to resolve their issuesthrough negotiations.
The expression was made by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas whileaddressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Shah MahmoodQureshi in Islamabad today.
He appreciated the speedy release of the Indian pilot and Prime MinisterImran Khan’s offer of dialogue to India, saying that these steps helpedde-escalate the tension between the two countries.
The German Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for eliminationof terrorism. He particularly lauded Islamabad’ role in restoration ofpeace and stability in Afghanistan.
He said that Germany has good relations with Pakistan and it wants topromote cooperation with the country in trade and other sectors.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said solution of lingering Kashmir dispute throughdialogue is imperative for peace and stability in the region. He said ifthere are atrocities in the held valley, there will be reaction. He saiddialogue is the only way forward. Pakistan has never shied of dialogue. Hesaid there is now increasing demand within India for engagement anddialogue with Kashmiri leadership.
On terrorism, the foreign minister said this is a regional and globalchallenge. He pointed out that Pakistan has taken a lot of steps toeliminate this menace. He said the present government is taking steps toimplement the consensus national action plan on terrorism in letter andspirit.
Referring to the potential of economic and trade relations between Pakistanand Germany, the foreign minister said two well renowned German companieshave expressed interest for investment in the country. He expressed theconfidence that this will encourage others to come and invest in Pakistan.We welcome foreign investment in the country.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said he also discussed with his German counterpart theidea of establishing a joint foreign trade chamber saying this will be avery positive step towards enhancing bilateral economic and trade relationsbetween the two countries.
The two foreign ministers also discussed matters pertaining to the Germanvisa facilitation for Pakistani students of higher education. The two sidesdiscussed the idea of ‘partnership schools’ in order to partner in thefield of education.
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Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qurteshi has reiterated that Pakistan wantspeace in the region.
He was talking to German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and his accompanyingdelegation in Islamabad today.
Both sides discussed matters pertaining to bilateral relations, regionalsituation and efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan released the capturedIndian pilto Abhinandan as a goodwill gesutre despite India’s beliggerentposture.
He briefed the German delegation about the regional situation and eventstaking place in the wake of Pulwama incident.
The German Foreign Minister urged both Pakistan and India to resolve theirdisputes through negotiations.
He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for restoration of peace in Afghanistan.
