President Asif Ali Zardari has called for expanding existing political, economic and defence cooperation between Pakistan and Germany. He was talking to Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin today. Asif Ali Zardari said that economy and trade, emerging technologies, climate resilience, skills development, people-to-people and cultural exchanges should be given greater focus. He said Pakistan highly values Germany as a major European partner, and greatly admires German support towards women’s empowerment, social protection and human development. He said Pakistan views resolution of conflicts through sustained dialogue and constructive negotiations for the sake of regional as well as global peace and stability. President Asif Ali Zardari thanked President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for his invitation and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warmly welcomed President Zardari’s visit to Germany on the momentous occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany this year. He expressed hope that Pakistan and Germany will continue to engage with reinforced efforts in the business and trade fields for promotion of bilateral business, education collaboration and technological cooperation. The German President praised Pakistan’s rising diplomatic profile in resolving regional and global disputes. Both the Presidents discussed the challenges related to Afghanistan. President Asif Ali Zardari apprised that Pakistan has no conflict with Afghan people but said Pakistan will not allow terrorists to use Afghan soil to attack our citizens and violate our sovereignty. Responding to the German President’s significant interest, President Zardari said Makkah Defence Pact is aimed at ensuring regional security and provides regional security alternative to regional conflicts, and is not directed against any specific country. He invited the German President to Pakistan who responded by saying he will consider to visit Pakistan at an appropriate time. Both the Presidents had delegation level talks after one-on-one meeting. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and Sindh Provincial Ministers Sharjeel Memon, Jam Khan Shoro, Senator Saleem Mandviwallah and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany Salman Sharif were part of Pakistan’s delegation. Earlier, the President was given a Guard of Honour at the German Ministry of Defence with the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier present on the occasion.