Germany and Pakistan – 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations – The Status Quo and the View Ahead

Press Release

In order to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Pakistan-German relations a webinar was organized by Deutsch-Pakistanisches Forum e.V. (DPF) under the title “Germany and Pakistan – 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations – The Status Quo and the View Ahead”.

The event started with the welcome note by Vice President of DPF, Ms. Lippert followed by the introductory statement of the President of DPF, Prof. Dr. Michael Jansen. He briefly reflected his 40-year work on archaeological sites in Pakistan. The President of Pakistan has conferred the National Award of “Hilal-e-Imtiaz” (Crescent of Distinction Medal) on Professor Dr. Michael Jansen in recognition of services to ‘Indus Valley Civilization’ in 2019.

In his message the Ambassador of the Pakistan in Germany, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, reflected light on great cooperation prospects between Pakistan and Germany. The Embassy of Pakistan in Berlin working hard to strengthen Pak-German diplomatic ties and to further support Pakistani community in an effective manner.

A message by the Honorary Consul of Pakistan for Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, Dr. Christian Poetis, presented. He emphasized on uncapping the business opportunities in Pakistan. In addition, he wished to contribute to a better knowledge of the history and culture of the Pakistani people and to promote friendship relations between Pakistan and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Honorary Consul of Pakistan for North Rhine-Westphalia, Matthias Theis, explained about promoting Pakistani business groups in Düsseldorf region. He said in his remarks that he supported Pakistani traders and exporters in different trade fairs, like the world’s largest medical fair “Medica” where more than 100 Pakistani surgical business groups participate every year in Dusseldorf and the food fair “Anuga”, to name a few. He thanked the German Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Bernhard Schlagheck, for endorsing complete support to Pakistani businesses in timely issuance of visas without any hurdles.

Klaus Klennert is a member of the Rotary Club Weilheim/Obb. and chairman of the German section of the country committee Germany-Pakistan reflected humanitarian aid projects like earthquakes, floods, establishment of a school in Nanga Parbat.

The next half of the session was devoted for a keynote presentation by the Ambassador of Germany in Pakistan, Mr. Bernhard Schlagheck. The ambassador said he was heartened to meet members of DPF. He briefly reflected his thoughts on 70 years of Pakistan-German cultural, business, and diplomatic ties. He said the German government was working hard with the Pakistani government to support multiple projects in different sectors. The German government was supporting Pakistan on climate action and renewable energy. There were four billion Euros given to the Pakistani government in development aid. Focus was given towards establishment and promotion of technical and vocational training throughout in Pakistan. In health sector and especially in the Covid-19 situation the German government provided continuous support in multiple fronts, i.e. efforts to eradicate polio, establishing portable health stations, and supporting the Government of Pakistan in health insurance system.

At the end, Dr. Wolfgang-Peter Zingel moderated the Q&A session where Mr. Ambassador answered participants’ questions in detail. A big number of business companies, humanitarian aid groups and participants joined the session from both Pakistan and Germany.

Prof. Jansen thanked the ambassadors and speakers for their worthy contributions and the organizing committee, Vice President Sorya Lippert and Imran Mehr, General Secretary Faraz Dahar, Finance Secretary Ali Asghar, Secretary Zahra Currimbhoy, media assistance by Arslan Minhas, for successfully conducting the event.