70 years of German-Pakistan ties
Dr. Jassim Taqui
DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic
Studies
Islamabad, September
8, 2021: On the occasion of the 70th anniversary
of German-Pakistani bilateral relations, the frigate Bayern will visit Karachi
from Sept. 8th to Sept. 12th. The partnership visit
takes place within the framework of the German Navy’s Indo-Pacific Deployment
2021. During its six-month mission, the frigate is scheduled to call at several
ports – Karachi being the first one in the region.
Ambassador Bernhard Schlagheck: “The visit of
the Bayern – roughly one month after the PNS Zulfiqar berthed in the port of
Hamburg – is not only a visible sign of the increased importance of the
Indo-Pacific for Germany but it also clearly reflects the multifaceted
German-Pakistan relations. It is truly a special event to kick off our
celebrations for the 70th anniversary.”
After the arrival in Karachi on Sept. 8th,
the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Tilo Kalski, and Consul General Holger
Ziegeler will lay a wreath in Mazar-e-Quaid, paying respect to the founder of
Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. On Sept. 10th, the Chief Minister of
Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, will receive the captain and a delegation from the
Bayern for a formal greeting ceremony. After weeks at sea, the crew is also
looking forward to discovering the picturesque city life and famous hospitality
of its first port of call in Asia.
On August 2nd, the frigate Bayern
left the German port of Wilhelmshaven for Asia. The ship with its crew of over
200 sailors will join in maritime monitoring of the UN sanctions against North
Korea, dock at ports in partner countries and take part in multilateral
activities.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas commented on the
frigate’s departure: “The Indo-Pacific is where the international order
of the future will be decided. We want to help shape it and to take on
responsibility for upholding the rules-based international order. Its
mission is to support us in upholding international law and improving security
in the Indo-Pacific together with our partners.”
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