Germany eyes better educational ties with Pakistan

Islamabad :Germany has expressed willingness to increase relations with Pakistan in the education sector.

"Pakistan and Germany have strong bilateral relations since 1951 and mutual cooperation is increasing day by day. The Embassy of Germany and German educational institutions are keen to enhance ties with the Pakistani educational sector," German Ambassador Bernhard Schlagheck told a day-long seminar on 'Opportunities for Students and Researchers in Germany' at the International Islamic University on Tuesday.

The event was held with the joint collaboration of the Department of Translation and Interpretation and Students’ Advisor Office at the Quaid-E-Azam Auditorium of the IIU Faisal Masjid Campus.

The envoy said German scholarship-providing institutions were focusing on helping in technical education and assisting students to broaden their academic exposure.

He said 90,000 Pakistanis made an important part of German society.

The envoy said the German Government was also keen to enhance cooperation with the Pakistani government in the fields of a sustainable economy, governance and strategic aspects.

He hailed the IIU for its eagerness to collaborate and appreciated its services for the students of more than 40 countries.

Speaking during the inaugural session of the seminar, IIU president Prof Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh said the university was working to promote relations with universities around the world.

He called for enhancing the quality of education globally and transform more experiences within universities for the improvement of the teaching and learning system.

The IIU president said Islam was a religion of peace and harmony, so the IIU was trying to promote Islam’s message of peace and tranquillity.

German Embassy's First Secretary Christine Rosenberger addressed the seminar on 'Life in Germany: culture, multilingualism and norms'.

On the occasion, Director DAAD, Inge Iqbal elaborated the DAAD introduction, its nature of work and opportunities through this platform for the Pakistani students. She spoke on the topic of education and research opportunities in Germany. The seminar was also addressed by Marion Pfennings, Youth Ambassador German Embassy who discussed German Development initiatives in Pakistan.