President Zardari departs for Germany on 3-day visit to discuss bilateral ties

President Asif Ali Zardari embarked on a three-day visit to Germany on Thursday, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. The Foreign Office announced that the visit, set for October 22-24, is a key component of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Germany. President Zardari departed from Lahore for Germany, as confirmed by the President's office on social media.

The Foreign Office emphasized that this visit holds special significance given the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year. The visit aims to deepen the partnership, with President Zardari scheduled to meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, along with senior leadership and business leaders, with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is expected to accompany President Zardari on the trip. Earlier this month, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the United Nations General Assembly. During their meeting, Germany recognized Pakistan's mediation efforts in regional conflicts, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, and agreed to push for negotiations on Ukraine's peace.

In June, a German delegation expressed plans to bring approximately 30 German companies to Pakistan, aiming to connect local businesses to European markets.