By Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan
In January 2011, Germany and Pakistan agreed on initiating Pak-Germany Strategic Dialogue on yearly basis to enhance defense, economy, education, energy, investments and infrastructure.
The nature of strategic relations have a long history. Pakistan and Germany have enjoyed warm friendly relations since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1951. Pakistan was one of the first Asian countries to establish relations with the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). These relations are based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, respect for human rights, cultural and religious diversity and economic liberalism. Ever since their inception in 1951, Pakistan-Germany relations have been on an upward trajectory.
Both countries enjoy cordial bilateral relations and cooperation covers almost all important areas of mutual interests, including Education, Science & Technology, Economic & Trade, Culture, Defense, Archaeology, Energy, Broadcasting, Vocational & Technical training, and etc. Many German Companies are operation in Pakistan and few Think Tanks and NGOs are also active in Pakistan. While a significant number of Pakistani youth are studying in German Universities, and contributing toward the research, and innovation fr Germany. Some brilliant Pakistani minds are serving in Germany too. Also a strong and hard working workforce is contributing in the German manufacturing industry, while earning a handsome amount of foreign exchange for Pakistan. German products and technologies are warmly welcomed in Pakistan and enjoy a high reputation in the society.
It is desired that the visa regime may be relaxed for enhancement of people to people contact and promote cooperation and collaboration in all sectors of economy and society. Pakistan population consists of 70% of youth under the age of 40 years. They are well trained, skilled, and energetic, hardworking, – a strong workforce willing to contribute to the German industry and economy while enhancing their earning and life standard.
Recently. Pakistan and Germany signed a Financial Cooperation Agreement amounting to €129 million (about $149.139 million). The signing ceremony was witnessed by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Omar Ayub. The biennial negotiations on development cooperation between Pakistan and Germany were also held in the Economic Affairs Division, Islamabad.
Addressing the ceremony, the federal minister appreciated Germany’s enhanced bilateral economic cooperation with Pakistan. He also reaffirmed its appreciation for the strategic bilateral cooperation with Germany. While acknowledging the formidable socio-economic security and governance challenges it faces, the minister reiterated its commitment to transform these into opportunities and build upon them for the benefit of the nation. Under the agreement, Germany committed € 129 million for future German Development Cooperation in Pakistan in addition to the on-going portfolio.
The new financing will be allocated to different projects including Digital Governance Pakistan, Social Protection, Promotion of Startups in Pakistan, Promotion of Solar Energy, Self Employment of Women in Private Health Sector, and Development of Hydropower & Renewable Energy.
The Pakistani delegation briefed the German counterparts about the ongoing policy reforms & initiatives and future development priorities of the Government, which include a stronger focus on transparency, institutional reforms, poverty alleviation & social protection, human resource development, climate change and green energy.
The Pakistani side extended an invitation to the German delegation to visit Pakistan in the near future, which was accepted by the German side. The Pakistani delegation was headed by Mian Asad Hayaud Din, Secretary of, Economic Affairs Division and included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Federal Board of Revenue and relevant provincial governments.
The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany was headed by Ms. Gisela Hammerschmidt, Commissioner for Asia at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development and included participants from the German Foreign Office, KfW, GIZ and BGR.
Pakistan values its relations with all EU member countries and strengthening by promoting bilateral relations. The Government of Pakistan, understands the importance of the EU and emphasizes the cooperation based on mutual interests and benefits. The EU also understands the strategic importance of Pakistan and acknowledges the role of Pakistan in the peace, security and stability of the region. Especially Pakistan’s role in evacuation of EU nationals from Afghanistan and hosting them in Pakistan in the recent debacle of Afghanistan. Several EU governments has admired Pakistan’s role and extended a hand of friendship.
It is expected that Pak-German bilateral relations will be boosted up and other EU countries may also follow the same approach.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan – Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are only of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinion or position of World Geostrategic Insights).