President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake a visit to Germany from October 22 to 24 to discuss bilateral ties, with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation. The Foreign Office announced the trip on Thursday.
During the visit, President Zardari will hold meetings with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, senior German leadership and business leaders to review Pakistan-Germany relations.
Zardari Germany visit: why the timing matters
The visit holds special significance as Pakistan and Germany commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. The Foreign Office described it as part of high-level exchanges between the two countries and said it reflects the deep commitment of both sides to strengthening the partnership.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is also expected to accompany the president. The matter came up during Murad’s meeting with German Consul General Thomas E. Schultze.
According to The News, the trip is the first visit to Germany by any Pakistani president in 20 years, undertaken at Steinmeier’s invitation. A high-level delegation of business leaders and senior officials is travelling with the president.
Trade and regional issues on the table
The discussions are expected to focus on expanding economic cooperation. Germany is one of Pakistan’s key European partners: its envoy in Islamabad recently urged deeper trade and investment ties, and a German business delegation announced plans in June to bring about 30 companies to Pakistan.
The groundwork was laid in September, when Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Germany appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts in regional conflicts, especially around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, and the two sides agreed to work on getting Ukraine peace negotiations going.
That mediation role remains relevant. Pakistan continues to facilitate talks between the US and Iran, with Field Marshal Munir’s Tehran visit forming part of the mediation push, and Berlin has publicly valued Islamabad’s diplomacy in the Gulf. With Pakistan’s EU trade preferences under fresh scrutiny, the economic side of the Germany relationship carries added weight.
German Ambassador Ina Lepel struck an upbeat note on the relationship at a German Unity Day reception in Islamabad this month, pointing to strong prospects for cooperation in trade, education, development and culture. She noted that Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had both appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the Gulf region. A German business delegation had already announced plans in June to bring around 30 companies to Pakistan and connect local firms with European markets.
Frequently asked questions
When is President Zardari visiting Germany?
From October 22 to 24, 2026, according to the Foreign Office announcement made on Thursday.
Who will he meet?
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, senior German leadership and business leaders. Meetings with Chancellor Friedrich Merz are also expected.
Why is the visit significant?
It marks 75 years of Pakistan-Germany diplomatic ties and is reportedly the first visit by a Pakistani president to Germany in 20 years.
Who is accompanying the president?
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is expected to travel with him, along with a delegation of business leaders and senior officials.
