News
Friday, January 25, 2013
France, Germany envoys highlight 50 years of friendshipStaff Report
ISLAMABAD: On the 50th anniversary of the French-German Friendship Treaty, German Ambassador Dr Cyrill Nunn and his French counterpart Philippe Thiébaud along with Quaid-e-Azam University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Masoom Yasinzai shared their thoughts with students at a seminar on the reconciliation process of the two European nations.
Dr Yasinzai reminded the audience that the Elysee treaty, signed in 1963, remains the cornerstone of French-German cooperation, which is the main engine of the European Union (the two countries represent 33% of the EU population, 36% of the European budget, 37% of the EU GDP, 31% of the voting rights). German Ambassador Cyrill Nunn highlighted the importance of leadership. General de Gaulle and Chancellor Adenauer had a clear vision for a united Europe and were able to convince the general public of the benefits of good and close relations between France and Germany, participants of the seminar were told. Since then, the two countries have learned to compromise in order to achieve progress, particularly with regard to the strengthening of a united Europe.
French Ambassador to Pakistan Philippe Thiebaud focused on the historical context and significance of this treaty which was signed in the wake of the Cold War tensions. In his view the treaty, which defined the organising principles of the relationship between two century old enemies, was the result of political will and courage on both sides.
The treaty, he underlined, was revolutionary not only because it institutionalised regular meetings between state representatives but also because it recognised the importance of youth, and civil society in general, in building sustainable bridges between two populations.
Since 1963, the common projects developed across the border, from a bi-national brigade in the defence sector to joint business success stories such as Airbus, have demonstrated working together was in the interest of all European states. Attending students had the opportunity to ask many questions they had about the history of the relationship and its relevance to the South Asian context.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk