Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan's desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Germany especially in the areas of trade, investment, climate change and renewable energy.

He was talking to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Sharm Al Sheikh, Egypt today (Tuesday) on the sidelines of the COP-27 Summit.

The two leaders reviewed the bilateral relations and considered the possibilities of increasing cooperation.

Regional and global issues of mutual interests were also discussed during the meeting.

Emphasizing the need to benefit from the youth population of Pakistan, the Prime Minister said both the countries should cooperate extensively to provide opportunities to the youth in various fields.

Expressing his gratitude for the technical training support provided by Germany to Pakistan over the years, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for exchange of knowledge.

He was also appreciative of Germany's support to Pakistan for GSP Plus status in the European Union saying it is beneficial for both the countries.

The Prime Minister said regardless of Pakistan's minimal role in the emission of greenhouse gases, Pakistan is being severely impacted by natural disasters resulting from climate change. 

He thanked Germany for its assistance to Pakistan in the wake of recent climate induced floods. He also briefed the German Chancellor on the government's rehabilitation and reconstruction plan.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the COP27 should take bold decisions to deal with the issue of climate change, especially the damage and loss caused by it.

Alluding to the situation in the region, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan had been facilitating the withdrawal from Afghanistan at the request of foreign governments including Germany. He said the international community's engagement with the interim Afghan government is of utmost importance in view of the humanitarian and economic situation in the country.

The German Chancellor reiterated his position of representative government and respect for human rights in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif drew the attention of German Chancellor to the situation in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir saying that  regional peace and stability are at stake as a result of it.