December 2nd 2009
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has guaranteed assistance to Pakistan in accessing European Union markets to bolster Pakistan’s economy. While addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minster Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, she stated, “Germany will facilitate the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) of Pakistan with EU member states, besides provision of large scale market access to Pakistani products in European market.” Ms. Merkel added, “We will continue our support to Pakistan but it is on the part of Pakistan to ensure the complete implementation.”
Regarding the deployment of more troops to Pakistan, she stated that the issue will be decided after January 28th once the Afghan meeting in London has been held.
Pakistan and Germany have agreed to enhance co-operation in the areas of economic development, bilateral investment, energy and technology transfer.
Prime Minister Gilani acknowledged Germany’s development assistance to Pakistan which has more than doubled from 34 million euros in 2007-08 to 80 million euros in 2009-10.
