President Asif Ali Zardari has called for further strengthening Pakistan- Germany relations, particularly in trade and investment, development cooperation, defence, skilled labour mobility and business-to-business engagement.

He expressed these views during a meeting with Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Germany Salman Sharif in Islamabad today.

The President said Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding relations with Germany and looks forward to making the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year a meaningful opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation.

He stressed the need to increase bilateral trade and business engagement, noting that Germany is Pakistan's largest export destination in the European Union.

Asif Ali Zardari also called for continued defence cooperation, early favourable consideration of Pakistan's pending requests and greater cooperation on skilled labour mobility.

He recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's invitation to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit Pakistan and expressed the hope that the visit would take place at a mutually convenient date.

The President congratulated Salman Sharif on his new assignment and expressed confidence that he would work towards further strengthening Pak- Germany relations.