The Embassy of Germany in Pakistan celebrated National Day on October 3 with a mega event at Serena Business Complex in Islamabad to commemorate the 32nd Unity Day of Germany.
The German national holiday marks the reunification of the day when the former West and East Germany were reunified into the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland).
The ceremony in Islamabad commenced with the playing of the national anthems of the two countries. Federal Minster for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was the chief guest of the evening while a large number of members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the civil society, parliamentarians, and the media attended the event to celebrate the day after two years of restrictions.
Speaking on occasion, Sadiq said, “I have had the honor of being closely associated with Germany. Germany has been a friend of Pakistan with economic relations and technical and financial assistance for decades”.
The minister highlighted the strong bilateral and economic ties between both countries and said Germany invested over €3.8 billion in Pakistan since our relations were established seven decades ago. Both countries are also working to expand further economic cooperation, educational collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.
He said that it has been 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany and that relationship has strengthened over the years on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
German Ambassador Alfred Grannas, who was the host of the evening said: “We are very happy to host you after two years and hope you enjoy the mix of German and Pakistani specialties.”
He further shed light on the improved Pakistan-Germany cooperation over the years, saying that the two countries still have more potential to further upgrade cooperation in several areas, including trade energy, and investment.
Various organizations participated and exhibited the following displays at the event:
- Sebastian Jacobi, director of the KfW Office, Pakistan, shared some of the amazing work the German development bank does in the climate change, energy, infrastructure, and social health sectors.
- The Friedrich Naumann Foundation brought their latest publications for young people on smart transport, climate change, water, and traffic amongst others.
- Tobias Becker, the country director of GIZ, and representatives from Siemens were also present at the event.