What happened
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Berlin during a three-day official visit, according to Dawn. The meeting took place as both nations prepare to observe the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. President Zardari was received with a guard of honour at the German Ministry of Defence before holding a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks with President Steinmeier.
Key facts
According to Dawn, the discussions between the two leaders covered several key regional, strategic, and bilateral matters:
- Diplomatic Profile and Mediation: President Steinmeier praised Pakistan's rising diplomatic status in resolving global and regional conflicts. President Zardari thanked him for recognizing Pakistan's mediation role in the conflict between the United States and Iran.
- Afghanistan: Steinmeier commended Pakistan for providing humanitarian aid to millions of Afghans over four decades and thanked the country for facilitating the verification of 500 Afghans set for repatriation to Germany. Zardari stated Pakistan has no dispute with the Afghan public but will not permit terrorists to use Afghan territory to attack Pakistan.
- Makkah Defence Pact: Steinmeier expressed significant interest in the defence agreement involving Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia. Zardari clarified that the pact aims to support regional security and is not directed against any particular country.
- Bilateral Cooperation: Both leaders supported expanding cooperation in trade, technology, climate resilience, healthcare, and education. Zardari invited Steinmeier to visit Pakistan, and Steinmeier stated he would consider the invitation at an appropriate time.
- Delegation Members: The Pakistani delegation featured Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon and Jam Khan Shoro, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Ambassador Salman Sharif.
Why it matters
The meeting underscores efforts to enhance political, economic, and security ties between Germany and Pakistan, according to Dawn. The report noted recent related background, including a September meeting between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul regarding regional peace and Ukraine negotiations, as well as a June announcement to introduce around 30 German companies to Pakistani markets.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 23, 2026 · Photo by Nikolai Kolosov on Unsplash