By Asad Cheema
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Dr. Ina Lepel, on Monday emphasized the need to further strengthen economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Germany.
She was addressing an interactive session at the National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad under the club’s international outreach initiative “Meet the Press”. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Lepel highlighted the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Germany and stressed the need to significantly enhance bilateral trade. She noted that despite the passage of several years, trade figures between the two countries had not witnessed the desired growth.
“I served in Pakistan in 2017 and have now returned as ambassador, but unfortunately there has not been significant improvement in bilateral trade volume,” she said. The ambassador stressed that both countries possess immense economic potential and should work closely to expand trade, investment and commercial cooperation for mutual benefit. Speaking on regional issues, Ambassador Lepel appreciated Pakistan’s efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region, particularly regarding the recent US-Iran standoff. She commended Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and efforts to promote peace and dialogue. “I salute Pakistan’s efforts to help achieve peaceful solutions and prevent instability in the region,” she remarked, adding that diplomacy remains the best path to resolving conflicts and avoiding further tensions. The ambassador also spoke about educational opportunities in Germany for Pakistani students. She said Germany remains one of the most preferred destinations for higher education due to its quality institutions, research opportunities and welcoming academic environment.
She informed participants that Germany has increased the number of visas being issued to Pakistani students. However, because of the growing number of applications, processing delays occasionally occur.
“There is a huge demand from Pakistani students seeking education in Germany. Sometimes applications take longer because of the volume, but we are working to simplify procedures and make the process more efficient,” she explained.
During the interactive session, journalists asked questions on bilateral relations, education, regional security and international developments. Ambassador Lepel responded in detail and emphasized the importance of media, people-to-people contacts and academic exchanges in strengthening ties between Pakistan and Germany.
At the conclusion of the visit, NPC President Abdur Razzaq Sial thanked the German ambassador for engaging with the media community and expressed hope that Pakistan-Germany relations would continue to deepen in the years ahead.
He also reiterated the National Press Club’s commitment to providing a platform for meaningful dialogue between diplomats, policymakers and journalists.
