Leader of the Opposition in Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that cooperation between Germany and Pakistan should be focused on trade and not aid.
Former prime minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed these views while talking to German Ambassador Bernhard Schlagheck who called on him here at Parliament House on Thursday.
Gilani said the two countries will support each other on core issues at different international forums especially in the matters regarding GSP Plus status.
Senator Gilani discussed with German ambassador matters of mutual interest and the current political situation of the country. The two sides discussed a wide range of issues with a focus on Pakistan-Germany relations and the current political situation in the country.
PPP leader Gilani, sharing details of his visit to Germany during his premiership, stressed the need of furthering the cordial ties between the two countries especially enhanced cooperation in economic and trade sectors. He stated that during his visit to Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel remarked that stabilising the economy of Pakistan will help it combat terrorism. “This is the reason our cooperation should be focused on trade not aid,” said Gilani.
The leader of the opposition recalled that during his visit he signed a new economic agreement with Germany to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries. The new economic agreement replaced the old bilateral economic agreement signed in 1959, and provided greater legal protections for German investment in Pakistan.
Senator Gilani also discussed relations with European Union and GSP Plus status with the ambassador and they both agreed that their countries will support each other on core issues at different international forums.
Both the dignitaries stressed the need for further cooperation in different sectors through enhanced Parliamentary interaction.
Senator Sherry Rehman and Member Provincial Assembly Syed Ali Haider Gilani were also present during the call-on.
