BERLIN (Germany): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called on German President Horst Koehler Tuesday and discussed with him ways to further expand ties in all 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 cooperation.

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.
 
People-to-People Contacts

According to another report, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said enhanced cooperation between the parliamentarians of Pakistan and Germany will help strengthen democracy and boost people-to-people ties between the two countries.

In a meeting with Nobert Lammert, President of German Bundestag - the lower house of the German parliament held at Parliament House, Gilani said his government was pursuing the policy of upholding rule of law in the country.

He said Pakistan was following democratic norms with all its prime institutions functioning in their respective ambits.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Germany enjoy good relations and stressed the need for the two parliaments to learn and share better experiences from each other.

He said there was a need to develop bilateral relations at people-to-people level for the benefit of two countries.

Nobert Lammert, the second-highest ranking official after German President Horst Kohler appreciated Pakistan government’s efforts for ensuring democratic norms in the country and said this element was vital for sustainable development and prosperity.

He said exchange of parliamentarians between the two countries could prove beneficial for strengthening bilateral ties.