Pakistan, Germany sign roadmap for strategic dialogue

     ISLAMABAD, Sep 4 (APP)  - Pakistan and Germany on Tuesday signed a
roadmap for strategic dialogue which will provide a comprehensive framework
for enhancing multi-sectoral cooperation between the two countries.
     Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, who is currently on an official
visit to Germany, met the German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, said
a message received here from Berlin.
     At the joint press conference, the two Foreign Ministers highlighted
close and friendly relations between the two countries and expressed the
resolve to further deepen the on-going cooperation in various sectors.
     Germany is Pakistan's largest trading partner in Europe with an annual
trade volume of US $ 2.5 billion. The trade volumes have been continuously
spiking on over the last several years. The two ministers vowed to further
increase the volume of bilateral trade to its real potential.
     Both foreign miinisters expressed their satisfaction over the launch of
the Strategic Dialogue which would provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing multi-sectoral cooperation between the two countries.
 Besides meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, the
Strategic Dialogue envisages annual consultations at the foreign secretary level.
     Pakistan Foreign Minister highlighted her country's determination and
commitment to fight the menace of extremism and terrorism. The German Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's contribution and sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism.
     During the meeting the two ministers discussed ways and means of
furthering cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, defence,  education, renewable energy, culture and development cooperation.
     The potential and the need to enhance parliamentary and economic
relations came under particular focus. The two ministers also expressed the
confidence that the new bilateral investment treaty which has now been
ratified by both the countries would greatly catalyze the flow of bilateral
investments.
     Foreign Ministers also discussed and underlined the convergence of
views on the situation in Afghanistan especially the post 2014 scenario. Pakistan Foreign Minister emphasized that peace and stability in Afghanistan were in Pakistan's core national interest and that this could be achieved only through an Afghan led and Afghan owned reconciliation process.
     Foreign Minister Westerwelle expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's
sacrifices in fighting terrorism and lauded its role in achieving peace and
stability in Afghanistan.