German president welcomes Pakistani counterpart with military honors

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari with military honors in Berlin on Friday, as the two countries are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.

"Germany and Pakistan want to further cultivate and strengthen their partnership," Steinmeier's spokeswoman Cerstin Gammelin said in a statement on social media. "The presidents discussed the expansion of trade and investments as well as the situation in the region."

Zardari arrived at Steinmeier's invitation for a three-day visit focused on international and regional developments, as well as ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. Following his meeting with Steinmeier, he was also scheduled to meet senior German leaders and business representatives.

Germany is Pakistan's largest trading partner in the European Union. The visit is the first by a Pakistani head of state to Germany in 23 years. Former German President Roman Herzog visited Pakistan in 1995. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1951 and have maintained close political and economic ties since then.

Ayhan Şimşek