Pakistan, Germany discuss bilateral relations, Afghan peace process

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qurteshi on Tuesday reiterated that Pakistan desires for peace and stability in the region, ARY News reported.

This he stated while talking to German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and his accompanying delegation, who called on him at the Foreign office in Islamabad, today.

Both the sides discussed matters pertaining to bilateral relations, regional situation and efforts for peace in Afghanistan.

Qureshi apprised the visiting German delegation that Prime Minister Imran Khan released the captured Indian pilto Abhinandan as a goodwill gesture despite India’s belligerent posture.

He briefed the German delegation about the regional situation and events taking place in the wake of Pulwama incident.

The German FM urged both Pakistan and India to resolve their disputes through negotiations.

Mr Maas appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for restoration of peace in Afghanistan.

Earlier the German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was warmly welcomed by the high ranking officials of foreign office at the Nur Khan Airbase upon his arrival.

Yesterday, Mr Maas reached Afghanistan on an unannounced visit, to send a message confirming Germany’s commitment to conflict resolution and economic development in Afghanistan.

Germany is part of the NATO’s Resolute Support mission to train Afghan security forces and has around 1,300 soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, mostly in Balkh province.

Back in the month of December 2018, German Ambassador to Pakistan Martin Kobler had said his country was looking to import manpower by 2020 and Pakistan could prove to be an important contributor in this regard.

This he had said in a meeting with Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari in Islamabad to discuss investment opportunities in Pakistan.