German FM to visit Pakistan tomorrow

Islamabad, Oct 27 (UNI) German Deputy Chancellor and Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier will visit Islamabad tomorrow to hold bilateral consultations with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

He had earlier visited Pakistan in May 2007. Dr Steinmeier would also call on the President Asif Ali Zardari.

Germany is an important partner of Pakistan in the EU and closely cooperates on global and regional issues such as counter-terrorism, stability in Afghanistan, and regional security.

''Germany plays a significant role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan and is also actively involved in a number of development assistance projects in the socio-economic sectors in NWFP and Northern Areas of Pakistan,'' Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Sadiq said here today.

It is the largest trading partner of Pakistan in Europe and the fourth largest importer of Pakistani products, he added.

There is a significant Pakistani community in Germany and a large number of Pakistani students getting higher education in German Universities, said Mr Sadiq.

Germany is also member of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum.

''The visit is an expression of Germany's solidarity and commitment to intensify relations with Pakistan and expected to open new chapters in bilateral cooperation in diverse fields,'' he added.

UNI XC RJ AS1354