ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Germany, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, development, and defence. This emphasis was made during a meeting with Salman Sharif, the newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Germany, held in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Zardari highlighted the importance of the longstanding relationship between the two nations and expressed a keen interest in leveraging the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation. He underscored the need to boost trade and business engagement, noting Germany’s status as Pakistan’s largest export market within the European Union.

The President also emphasized continued collaboration in defence and called for a timely response to Pakistan’s pending requests. Additionally, he advocated for increased cooperation in the mobility of skilled labor. President Zardari recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s previous invitation to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit Pakistan, expressing hope that the visit would occur at a mutually agreeable time.

In closing, President Zardari congratulated Salman Sharif on his new role and expressed confidence that he would contribute effectively to further strengthening the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Germany.