Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called on German President, Horst Koehler on Tuesday and discussed with him ways to further expand ties in all the areas of mutual interest. The Prime Minister who is on a three-day official visit to Germany met President, Koehler at the Schloss Bellevue Presidential Palace and discussed with him a range of issues including regional situation with particular reference to Afghanistan.
Gilani also apprised the German President on Pakistan's desire and measures taken to maintain good relations with India, the country's war against militancy and the steps taken by the coalition government for economic recovery. The two leaders also evinced keen desire to further cement bilateral relations in political, economic, commercial, cultural and defence fields, besides agreeing on the need for having enlarged Pakistan-EU economic co-operation.
Prime Minister, Gilani said Pakistan desired establishment of a high-level dialogue between the two countries. President, Koehler who won a second term in May as president, is a popular leader and member of Merkel's Christian Democrats and former head of the International Monetary Fund. He appreciated Pakistan's role in the war against terror.
They also discussed the Friends of Democratic Pakistan initiative, fight against extremism and terrorism, regional development and peace and security. Prime Minister expressed appreciation of Germany for being actively involved in Pakistan's socio-economic development and investments in various sectors of economy.
He said Germany's assistance can be used for development projects in FATA, Swat, Malakand and other areas that have been affected by terrorism and require urgent rehabilitation. He said Germany can invest in Pakistan's energy, infrastructure development, food and large scale manufacturing sectors, besides helping it in solar, wind and clean coal and mining technologies.