*Germany backs free trade between Pakistan and EU, eyes energy investments in Pakistan, agrees to support Pakistan in war against terror
*Angela Merkel says Malala Yousafzai is the face of Pakistan
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has lauded Pakistan for its role in the war against terrorism and agreed to support Pakistan in various sectors, especially in energy.
Addressing a joint press conference with the German chancellor on Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the German chancellor has assured full cooperation to end the energy crisis in Pakistan and both countries have agreed to root out terrorism.
GERMAN INVESTEMNT IN PAKISTAN:
The premier thanked Germany for establishing an energy forum in Pakistan and also welcomed Germany’s decision to expand its programme of technical training in Pakistan.
“There is a great potential of investment in energy and other sectors in Pakistan and German investors can benefit from it,” said Sharif.
Germany is the fourth largest trading partner of Pakistan in the world, and the largest in Europe, he added.
Merkel also said that her country will back free trade between Pakistan and the members of European Union.
“We will further strengthen economic cooperation with Pakistan; we want to assist Islamabad in various sectors” she said, adding that Germany is looking to increase its investments in Pakistan, especially in the energy sector, provided the conditions are right.
Merkel said Germany’s KfW State Development Bank was already involved in projects in Pakistan including hydro power plants, but added that the security situation was sometimes a deterrent.
“We can look at intensifying these (investments), as long as the conditions are right,” Merkel told the joint news conference.
TOGETHER FOR TERRORISM:
The premier thanked the German chancellor for cooperation in the war against terrorism.
“Germany, under the leadership of Merkel, is playing a key role in achieving international peace,” he said.
Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices in the war against terrorism, and the two countries would make joint efforts to eliminate this menace, he added.
To a question, Sharif said that as a democratic and progressive country, Pakistan is committed to the protection of human rights of people.
FOREIGN POLICY:
The premier told the joint press conference that Germany carries special status in Pakistan’s foreign policy, and the two countries enjoy strong bilateral relations.
The German chancellor expressed hope that Pakistan and India will improve their bilateral relations while adding that both Pakistan and Germany are desirous of peace in Afghanistan.
Merkel congratulated Malala Yousafzai for winning the Nobel Peace Prize, saying, “Yousafzai is the face of Pakistan.”
Sharif also invited the German chancellor to visit Pakistan next year.
