President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated his resolve to steer the country out of the serious economic and political challenges it had inherited. Since assuming power, the government has used its efforts to strengthen the democracy and now there was political and popular ownership of policies in Pakistan, Zardari said while talking to German Foreign Minister Dr Frank Walter Steinmeier, who called on him here at Aiwan e Sadr on Tuesday.
He said that the democracy is only solution of present economic and political crisis, which was an outcome of the dictatorship. The President pointed out that the entire region was beset with difficulties that regional ownership of the situation was important. He said it was also important for the international community to assist the region particularly in providing greater opportunities for trade.
He said the Government had also taken important steps in the fight against terrorism and extremism. The President appreciated Germany's constructive engagement with Pakistan and said Pakistan was equally desirous of a comprehensive up gradation of bilateral ties in various fields.
The German Foreign Minister, who was on a day-long visit to Pakistan, expressed profound solidarity with Pakistan. He said Pakistan occupied a key position in the region and said Germany was desirous of consolidating its longstanding relationship with Pakistan.
Dr Steinmeier underlined comprehensive German support for Pakistan, particularly in terms of its socio-economic development and in seeking support within the context of the Friends of Pakistan forum. He said the international community needed to address Pakistan's needs in short as well as long-term perspective. The very purpose of his visit, he said, was to strengthen relations with Pakistan and assess its requirements.
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