German president meets Zardari, praises Pakistan's 'rising diplomatic profile' in dispute resolution

Dawn · 23/10/2026، 7:17:58 PM

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Pakistan’s “rising diplomatic profile in the resolution of regional and global disputes”, in a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in Berlin on Friday. President Zardari is currently on a three-day visit to Germany, having departed yesterday, as the two countries are set to mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. According to a statement posted by the president’s office, the two leaders also discussed challenges related to Afghanistan. President Zardari said that while Pakistan “has no conflict with the Afghan people”, it would not allow terrorists to use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan’s citizens and violate its sovereignty. Steinmeier appreciated Pakistan for facilitating the verification of 500 Afghans “destined to be repatriated to Germany”, it said, adding that he also commended Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to “millions of Afghans” over more than four decades. He also took a “significant interest” in the Makkah defence pact, which has been signed between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. In response, President Zardari said the pact was aimed at “ensuring regional security and provided a security alternative to regional conflicts, and it is not directed against any specific country”. The German president expressed hope that the two countries would continue to engage with reinforced efforts in the fields of business and trade to promote “bilateral business, education collaboration and technological cooperation”. For his part, President Zardari thanked Steinmeier for his invitation and the hospitality extended to him and his delegation. President Zardari further expressed his gratitude for Steinmeier’s acknowledgement of Pakistan’s “sincere mediation role” in the conflict between the United States and Iran, the statement said. He said Pakistan viewed the resolution of conflicts through the lens of sustained dialogue and constructive negotiations, “for the sake of regional as well as globa