Germany lauds Pak peace efforts in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Germany has eulogised Pakistan’s efforts for establishment of peace in Afghanistan and its support for the reconciliation moves in the war torn country.
The German views have been conveyed Monday by its Foreign Minister Dr Frank Walter Steinmeier in his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He called on the prime minister at the PM House and conveyed goodwill message of his Chancellor to the premier.
The sources in the PM House told The News that regional situation came under discussion at length and the visiting foreign minister was briefed about Pakistan’s desire for peace with its neighbours. He was also informed about India’s obnoxious attitude and especially serious defiance of ceasefire on the LoC/Working Boundary that is resulting in killing of innocent civilians.
The German foreign minister thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his visit to Pakistan.
The premier recalled his visit to Germany in November last year and his meetings with Chancellor Angela Merkel, and said that he had directed his government to follow the mutually agreed areas of cooperation discussed in that visit particularly bilateral trade and investment.
The meeting discussed matters relating to bilateral and regional interest with particular focus on peace and stability in the region.
German foreign minister said that bilateral relations between the two countries are improving and cooperation in the economic field and other sectors will further make relations closer between the two countries.
Prime Minister Nawaz thanked Germany for its support for airing GSP Plus status in the European Union (EU).
The premier said that Pakistan’s economy was experiencing a turn-around and key indicators are getting strength and improving at faster pace.
The operation against terrorism is achieving successes and the time isn’t far off when Pakistan would ideally peaceful country, he added.
Dr Frank Walter Steinmeier paid tremendous respect and appreciation for the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the fight against extremism and terrorism.
Advisor to the Prime Minister for National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs (SAPM) Syed Tariq Fatemi and Secretary to the PM Javaid Aslam also attended the meeting.
APP adds: Member of the German Bundestag on Monday called on members of the Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly (NA).
Dr Ute Finckh Kramer, Member Social Democratic Party, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and CemOzdemir Chairman of the Green Party in Germany discussed the prevailing situation in the region especially in perspective of Afghanistan and India.
The Pakistan side was represented by the Chairman Foreign
Relations Committee Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Aftab Sherpao and Daniyal Aziz, says a press release.
The two sides showed their concern over the increasing tensions between Pakistan and India and stressed the need for both sides to engage each other in a dialogue process.
Chairman Leghari welcomed the possibility of all countries in the region including Russia to sit across the table to ease tensions in the region and work towards attaining regional peace and harmony.