Islamabad: Member of the German Bundestag Christoph Schmid met with Deputy Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, and economic engagement between Germany and Pakistan. Both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing parliamentary diplomacy to strengthen ties.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the meeting, which took place at the Parliament House in Islamabad, was marked by a warm welcome from Deputy Speaker Shah, who highlighted the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Germany. He noted the cordiality and mutual respect that characterize these relations and expressed the need to revive parliamentary exchanges that had declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Speaker Shah recalled the visit of former German Bundestag Speaker Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert to Pakistan in 2014 as a key moment in the countries’ parliamentary relations. He praised Germany for its humanitarian aid during the 2010 floods in Pakistan and expressed gratitude for its support in regional challenges. Shah also invited German investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in tourism and economic sectors.

Mr. Schmid expressed appreciation for the hospitality received and acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in regional peace efforts, particularly in the Middle East. He commended Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and reaffirmed the importance of peace and dialogue in bilateral cooperation.

The meeting concluded with both leaders committing to further exploration of avenues for strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, economic ties, and people-to-people interactions between the two nations. Special Secretary Syed Shamoon Hashmi was also present at the occasion.