Franco-German Friendship Day marked in Karachi

KARACHI: The historic treaty of friendship between France and Germany “Elysee treaty” is being celebrated by consulates of France and Germany in Karachi.

To commemorate the treaty on Franco-German cooperation in the Élysée Palace in Paris on 22 January 1963, Consul General of France in Karachi Alexis Chahtahtinsky and Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr. Rüdiger Lotz issued a video statement to celebrate the friendship between two countries.

“After World War II, France reached out to its former enemy and treated Germany as a partner. The following 60 years have been the happiest in our two countries’ history. They have shown how two nations, formerly hostile to each other, can achieve unprecedented friendship and cooperation. This was neither easy nor natural. It requires a great deal of leadership and political wisdom on both sides.

“Today as Germany and France celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Élysée Treaty in a place where symbolically, the Alliance Française and the Goethe-Institut have come together, under the same roof, to bring French and German language and culture closer to the people of Karachi. France and Germany do believe that this friendship can serve as an example,” the message read.

According to the historical details after World War II, France reached out to its former enemy and treated Germany as a partner. The following 60 years have been the happiest time in two countries. In fact, it was hostile situation before this treaty, but it was a great deal of the political leadership and wisdom on both sides.