LAHORE: Germany and Pakistan have marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, with Germany highlighting the enduring friendship between the two countries and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation.
Addressing the German Unity Day celebrations, the German representative recalled Germany’s reunification on October 3, 1990, 36 years after the country was divided. He said the peaceful revolution in East Germany, along with the efforts of statesmen and stateswomen in both East and West, paved the way for reunification in peace and freedom.
He said Germany continues to work for European unity while strengthening partnerships with countries around the world, including Pakistan.
The speech noted that diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany were established 75 years ago, while emphasizing that the relationship between the two nations goes back much further. As an example, the speaker highlighted Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s stay in Heidelberg, where he completed his thesis, and referred to his poem “Ek Sham” (One Evening) about the German university town.
The German representative said exchanges between the two countries’ leadership and foreign ministers reflect mutual trust and appreciation. He also highlighted recent diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Germany and said President Asif Ali Zardari is expected to pay an official visit to Germany at the invitation of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Growing Educational and Economic Links
The speech highlighted expanding German-Pakistani industrial and commercial relations, as well as growing educational exchanges.
According to the address, around 13,000 Pakistani students are currently studying at German universities, approximately 5,000 more than three years ago.
Germany and Pakistan have also maintained a long history of development cooperation. The speech stated that Germany has invested approximately €4 billion in development cooperation with Pakistan since 1961.
Cultural Cooperation
Cultural cooperation was also highlighted as an important component of bilateral relations.
Germany is supporting the restoration and reframing of paintings by several prominent masters of the Lahore Arts Circle of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Government of Punjab and the Lahore Arts Council, aims to preserve dozens of artworks representing an important generation of artists from the subcontinent.
The speaker said there remains significant work to be done across various areas of cooperation but expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between Germany and Pakistan provides a strong foundation for future collaboration.
The address concluded with appreciation for the event’s sponsors, including Siemens Healthineers Pakistan, Kaeser Compressors Pakistan, Rudolf Group Pakistan, Wilo Pakistan, Krones Pakistan, Bayer Pakistan and Rohde and Schwarz Pakistan, as well as the German Air Force Jazz Quintet, which travelled from Germany for the celebrations.