German-French reconciliation can be an inspiration for other countries and regions including South Asia and if there is stability in the region, there will be greater economic integration with open borders for trade between Pakistan and India. This was stated by German Ambassador to Pakistan Martin Kobler flanked by French Ambassador Marc Barety while speaking at a news conference to mark the anniversary of the German-French friendship treaty (Élysée Treaty) which was signed on January 22, 1963 and was the basis for the reconciliation between France and Germany.
Ambassador Marc Barety pointed out that the celebration this year will highlight the signing of a new treaty, Treaty of Aachen, by which France and Germany are aiming to address the challenges of the 21st century together.
"We are not here [to say] what Pakistan and India to do. You [Pakistan] are an independent country. It's only the inspiration, we are talking about the possible way is dialogue - people-to-people contacts. And we will be willing to assist any effort including economic cooperation," said Ambassador Barety.
The German ambassador asserted that they are not 'here for teaching solution of the conflict.' However, he emphasised that the German-French reconciliation is an inspiration for all the countries.
He stated if there is stability in South Asia and the people of Pakistan and India are allowed to visit each other's countries, there will be greater economic integration with opening borders for economic interests. He said that the economic interest will also bring people of the two countries closer to each other.
In the past, he said that both Germany and France fought bloody wars against each other, but today both are close friends and partners while the new treaty will be signed between the two countries for the betterment of the people of the two countries.