FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES TELEPHONE CALL FROM GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received a telephone call from Annalena Baerbock, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, today. The two Ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as important regional issues. Foreign Minister Qureshi congratulated his German counterpart on recently assuming her office. He stated that Germany was a valued, longstanding partner of Pakistan and Pakistan was committed to further enhancing bilateral relations in all dimensions, particularly in the fields of trade and investment,energy, climate change, radicalization etc.

Discussing Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve in supporting the international community in its efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also highlighted Pakistan’s role in evacuation operations from Afghanistan. The Foreign Minister informed that Pakistan had so far facilitated over 90,000 evacuations.

The urgent need was to avert a humanitarian crisis and economic meltdown in Afghanistan, which will adversely impact stability in the region and beyond. The two Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine. The Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed his German counterpart on the grave human rights violations being committed by India after its illegal, unilateral action of 5 August 2019.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock appreciated Pakistan’s assistance in its evacuation operations from Afghanistan and hoped for Pakistan’s continued support in this regard. Foreign Minister invited German Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience. He added that her visit would be helpful in preparing for the Prime Minister’s visit to Germany.

Pakistan and Germany have maintained a good trajectory of bilateral relations and remain committed to further enhance our cooperation. The two countries celebrated 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2021.