Pakistan to get additional €10m flood aid from Germany | The Express Tribune

Germany has pledged an additional 10 million euros in aid for emergency care and services for flood victims of Pakistan, especially for children.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced the financial assistance at a joint press conference along with her Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Berlin on Friday.

Expressing sympathy for the families suffering due to the devastating floods, she said, “Pakistan is the most affected country by climate change”.

The German foreign minister said the current devastation in Pakistan is a reminder to the world about the dramatic and devastating consequences of climate change.

Speaking about bilateral relations, she said Germany is keen to diversify its relations with Pakistan in economic and social spheres.

She said German companies were looking forward to make investments in Pakistan, particularly in infrastructure projects.

She appreciated Pakistan’s positive role for regional stability especially in Afghanistan and its support for the evacuation of Afghan nationals desiring to leave Afghanistan for Germany and other countries.

Also read: Pakistan floods echoed in EU Parliament

Speaking on the occasion, FM Bilawal said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) already warned of a second catastrophe following the devastating floods in the shape of diseases.

“I want to get justice for my people. Pakistan produces less than one per cent of global emissions but we are among the top climate-affected countries in the world. Pakistan needs a green revolution and green politics,” he added.

Talking about his meeting with Baerbock, Bilawal said that both leaders discussed ways to enhance the relations and people-to-people exchanges. “We have a significant Pakistani community in Germany. It is a strong bridge between the two countries. Germany is one of our largest trading partners. Trade is increasing. GSP+ status has been mutually beneficial.”

While thanking the German government for its assistance for flood victims in Pakistan, Bilwal said the total amount of aid from Germany had reached 60 million euros.

He said he held a positive meeting with the German foreign minister and they discussed matters related to climate change, floods in Pakistan and green energy.

Later, the foreign minister visited the Pakistani embassy in Berlin and inaugurated the digital tourism centre.

He appreciated the step to promote the heritage and tourist spots of Pakistan through augmented and virtual reality.

The chief executive officer of Digital Munich Arslan Minhas briefed the foreign minister about the project.

(With additional input from News Desk)