German Special Representative calls on Foreign Minister

German Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Bernd Mutzelburg called on the Foreign Minister today. During the meeting issues pertaining to Pak-German bilateral relations and efforts to counter terrorism and extremism in the region were discussed.

The German Special Representative extended full support to the democratic government of Pakistan and expressed the German Government’s desire to work in closer collaboration with it.

Both sides agreed on the need to adopt a holistic approach in dealing with the problem of terrorism in the region. It was acknowledged that force alone could not solve the problem. To achieve viable peace in the region, development, dialogue and reconciliation should be pursued more vigorously.

The Foreign Minister underlined that drone attacks in the tribal areas of Pakistan were counter-productive for they worked against our efforts aimed at winning hearts and minds. The German Special Representative expressed full understanding of Pakistan’s concerns, reiterating Germany’s apprehensions about the effectiveness of drone attacks.

Mr. Mutzelburg appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in hosting over three million Afghan refugees. He underlined the need for the international community to assist Pakistan in this regard.

Islamabad
March 20, 2009

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