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Germany for Tripartite Arrangement 
With Gulf and Pakistan, Says Ex-envoy

DUBAI - Former German Ambassador to Pakistan Gunter Mulack 
has called for a tri-partite arrangement between his country, the Gulf states and Pakistan to help the latter 
overcome its socio-economic problems which are causing radicalisation of its society.

During his recent visit to the UAE, the head of the Orient Institute in Berlin and Germany’s ex-Commissioner to the Islamic World met top officials to discuss the possibility of building a collaborative liaison with the Gulf states, which would advance stability and security in Pakistan.

In an exclusive interview with 
Khaleej Times, Mulack explained 
Germany’s reasons for pursuing this partnership.

Mulack said Germany, along with other European states, felt that Pakistan’s stability is vital for bringing about stability in Afghanistan, where European forces are deployed.

“Pakistan is a strategically important country. Nobody wants Pakistan to become a failed state,” said Gunter Mulack. Germany has long-standing ties with all Gulf states, including a strategic partnership with the UAE.

Therefore it is seeking a tri-partite arrangement among itself, the Gulf states (primarily the UAE, Saudi Arabia and possibly Qatar) and Pakistan to help the latter overcome its socio-economic problems which is causing radicalization of its society.

It is also looking forward to organising small-level development projects for the Friends of Pakistan initiative.

Friends of Pakistan was set up by 14 countries, including the UAE and Germany, that want to assist Pakistan in troubled times. Its last meeting was held in Abu Dhabi in December 2008.

Mulack explained that since the UAE had close links with Pakistan, it could effectively advance socio-economic development in the troubled South Asian country.

He went on to say that the UAE is the biggest investor in Pakistan’s economy with private and state-level investments running into millions of dollars.

“(Late) Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had been a regular visitor to Pakistan and he built homes, schools, bridges, hospitals and roads,” said the former German diplomat.

“These relations can be built upon, thus increasing the goodwill the Pakistani people feel for the emirates.”.

Mulack identified key sectors which the Gulf states and Germany can jointly develop in Pakistan: education/vocational training, agriculture, renewable energy and basic healthcare.

Due to the positive image of the Gulf states in Pakistan, the proposed initiatives would be welcomed by the local population, unlike American and European projects which have been the target of terrorism and violence.

When asked about the response of the UAE government regarding this proposal, he replied, “In principle, the UAE wants to help Pakistan. They know all the problems Pakistan is facing and how poor the people are there.”

Although the UAE is willing to help Pakistan, it wants to make sure that funds are channeled efficiently in the projects for quick results.

If the tri-partite arrangement worked out, there would be a conference of the countries comprising the Friends of Pakistan, regarding potential development projects for Pakistan in September, Mulack said.

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